Panathinaikos boss Christos Kontis has offered a fitness update on Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash against Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, admitting the forward remains a doubt, Footynaija.com reports.
Dessers picked up an ankle injury in the second half of Panathinaikos’ opening group game, a convincing 4-1 win over Young Boys in Switzerland. The problem forced him off in the 70th minute and subsequently ruled him out of last weekend’s Super League victory against Panetolikos.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Kontis revealed the club is still monitoring the striker closely; “I hope he can train today,” the Panathinaikos boss said, per Gazzetta. “He had an injury problem from Switzerland that is bothering him. I want to believe that everything will go well.”
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Dessers missed full training with the squad on Tuesday, instead working individually as the medical staff continued to assess his progress. His absence would be a blow to Kontis, who has already seen the 30-year-old make a positive impact since arriving in Greece.
The former Rangers striker has made four appearances in all competitions this season, netting twice. His physicality and finishing have quickly made him a key figure for the Athens-based side, and his availability for Thursday’s Europa League fixture could prove decisive as Panathinaikos aim to build momentum in the league phase.
Dessers’ fitness will also be of keen interest to Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, who will be pondering his squad selection for October’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
With Victor Osimhen only just returning from injury and fellow Nigerian stars Ola Aina, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also sidelined, the Super Eagles can scarcely afford another injury setback.
For now, Panathinaikos and Nigeria will anxiously await confirmation of Dessers’ condition.
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