Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has suffered a thigh injury that will keep him out of action for several weeks, ruling him out of Nigeria’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures.
The 24-year-old picked up the knock during last weekend’s Derby della Capitale against Roma. Despite being a doubt before the clash, Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri opted to start him.
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Unfortunately, Dele-Bashiru lasted just 11 minutes before limping off and was replaced by Reda Belahyane, who later saw red as Lazio fell 0-1 to their rivals.
Subsequent medical tests confirmed a Grade I injury to his right thigh flexor, with reports from Il Messaggero suggesting the midfielder will be sidelined for at least a month.
This rules him out of Lazio’s next two Serie A games against Genoa and Torino, with a possible return date set for October 19 when the Biancocelesti face Atalanta.
The injury is also a significant blow for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who face must-win World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin during the upcoming international break.
Dele-Bashiru, who has become an increasingly important figure in the national team setup, will now remain in Rome to continue his rehabilitation.
His absence adds to coach Finidi George’s worries, as defender Ola Aina is also expected to miss the qualifiers through injury.
For Lazio, the situation is equally dire. The club’s midfield has been decimated, with Danilo Cataldi the only fully fit option.
Nicolo Rovella is nursing a groin problem, Matias Vecino is not fully recovered, Matteo Guendouzi has been hit with a two-match suspension, and Belahyane will also serve a ban.
Both club and country will feel the absence of Dele-Bashiru in the coming weeks, as Lazio and Nigeria navigate crucial fixtures without one of their most dynamic midfielders
