Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong is not expected to make a return to football until mid-October after picking up an injury while on international duty with Nigeria.
The 29-year-old was part of the Super Eagles squad for the friendly matches against Algeria during the FIFA international break.
In the test game against Algeria B, Ekong started and was the stand in captain but it was in this same game the former Udinese defender picked up a hamstring injury and was withdrawn from the encounter which ended 2-2.
The injury ruled him out of the game against Algeria’s main team which the Foxes won 2-1 and he returned to England immediately.
Speaking ahead of the Hornets clash away at Stoke City, the Hornets revealed that their new manager Slaven Bilic will be without a handful of players among them Troost-Ekong.
“William Troost-Ekong was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury whilst representing Nigeria last week and is aiming for a mid-October return,” read part of the club’s statement.
Since Watford's relegation to the Championship, Troost-Ekong has only managed two appearances overall, accumulating 97 minutes of playing time.
Napoli confident of Osimhen return
Napoli are confident that Victor Osimhen will return to face Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Nigeria international striker has been out of action since suffering a femoral bicep strain during the 4-1 win over Liverpool on September 7.
He missed the Partenopei’s Serie A encounter with Torino, but DAZN reports via sources within the Partenopei camp that Osimhen is recovering well.
Meanwhile, coach Luciano Spalletti spoke to DAZN and commented on the break for international duty.
“We have to get used to these situations with players who arrive at the last minute, it’s something all the big clubs need to do.
“The important thing is that nobody gets hurt. We had nobody injured and we were lucky.”
Napoli are currently top of their Champions League group on six points, followed by Liverpool and Ajax on three apiece.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
