Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand has confirmed that Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella will miss this weekend’s clash against reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, Footynaija.com reports.
Tella is currently sidelined with a knee injury which he suffered in mid-September. While the injury wasn’t deemed to be serious initially, certain complications have affected the forward’s recovery timeline.
Due to the setback, Tella has missed nine games in total and Hjulmand has now confirmed that the former Burnley and Southampton star will also miss this weekend’s trip to the Allianz Arena where an in-form Bayern Munich will be laying in wait.
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“With Nathan Tella, the injury was more difficult and complicated than we first thought,” Hjulmand said, as revealed by Werkself Xtra. “I think he’ll need the international break as well. It’s looking better and better, but I can’t say when he’ll return exactly.”
Hjulmand’s statement suggests that beyond the Bayern clash, Leverkusen may still have to make do without Tella’s talents until late November.
What this means for the Super Eagles ahead of World Cup play-offs
From this latest update about Tella’s fitness situation, we can easily deduce that the versatile forward will not be available for selection as Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle ponders his options for the upcoming World Cup play-offs against Gabon.
Fortunately, Nigeria is spoiled for quality options in those forward positions with the likes of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Alex Iwobi all fit and firing at the time of writing.
For Tella though, he’ll be frustrated by his current situation, having also missed the last international break with this same injury setback. He’ll be focused on regaining full fitness and returning to the mix ahead of AFCON 2025.
