Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi is expected to be out of action for about two months after medical examinations confirmed an adductor injury in his right leg.
The FC Porto defender picked up the injury during his side’s 3-0 win over Académico de Viseu on Saturday.
Sanusi, who started the encounter, was forced to leave the pitch in the 17th minute after hurting himself while trying to play the ball. He received treatment on the field but could not continue, with Martim Fernandes taking his place.
Further tests carried out on Sunday revealed the severity of the injury. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reports that the Nigerian is unlikely to return until after the next international break.
Porto had earlier listed Sanusi on its injury report and confirmed that he would undergo additional medical checks to determine the full extent of the problem.
The setback is also a concern for Nigeria, with Sanusi now expected to miss the Super Eagles’ first fixtures in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, which gets underway in September.
The 29-year-old has been a regular option at left-back for the national team, meaning his absence could force the coaching staff to consider other alternatives ahead of the qualifiers.
