TheCable

Leon-Aderemi Balogun, FSV Mainz 05 defender, is doubtful for the winner-takes-it all double header game between Nigeria and Egypt next week.

He has a hamstring injury which he picked during training midweek in preparation for the weekend game against Werder Bremen.

Leon, in a telephone conversation with TheCable, said: “It’s not a big injury but I think I pulled my muscle.

“The structure is not damaged. I am missing out on my weekend game against Werder Bremen tomorrow.”

Leon disclosed that he stayed at home to avoid aggravating the injury.

“I am at home. I did not go with the team. I tested it this morning but the risk of the injury getting worse is too big. So, I stayed out of the game,” he added.

“But if everything goes well because it happened on Wednesday, I should be able to play or train again by Wednesday next week.

“Right now, we’ve decided I am not going to the National team. That I stay here and get medical observation and treatment until Wednesday.”

However, Leon raised some hopes that all was not completely lost concerning his joining the Super Eagles for the Egypt game.

“If there are no doubts about my physical constitution then I will then get released by my club to go for the AFCON qualifier,” he said.

Kenneth Omeruo, the Eagles’ central defender, has already been ruled out of the encounter through groin injury.