Swedish Allsvenskan outfit AIK have shed some light on the current fitness situation of exciting Nigerian forward Zadok Yohanna after blocking the youngster’s participation in the upcoming Unity Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Yohanna has been on the sidelines since suffering an injury during AIK’s 4-2 defeat to Djurgarden two weeks ago and the 18-year-old attacker is set to remain out of contention until the Swedish top flight league goes on break for the World Cup.
Speaking ahead of AIK’s Allsvenskan clash against Hammarby on Sunday, club manager Jose Riveiro confirmed the Nigerian youngster’s absence, expressing disappointment over his unavailability.
“Tough for Zadok. He was in good momentum and really enjoyed playing football for us. Everyone was so happy to see him perform and it’s difficult for him to be out now,” Riveiro said, per quotes revealed by Fotbolldirekt.
Zadok Yohanna disappointed by Super Eagles withdrawal
AIK head of recruitment Miika Takkula also addressed the decision to prevent Yohanna from going on international duty, admitting that while the development was disappointing for both player and country, the club just couldn’t take any risks with the youngster at a crucial period of his rehabilitation.
“He was very happy about the call-up and of course he was disappointed that he couldn’t go, but he also understood why,” Takkula said
“It’s too early for him to travel, we cannot take any risks, which is something we concluded together with the medical team.
“All players would have been disappointed, and Nigeria were also disappointed because they had been looking forward to seeing him play for them, but they understood as well.”
Before his injury, Yohanna was in fine form for AIK, making nine goal contributions (5G, 4A) from twelve appearances across all competitions.
Those performances have put him on the radar of several top European clubs with the likes of RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Chelsea all credited with interest in his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.
