Akpom ruled out of Ajax’s Europa League qualifier against Ludogorets

Nigeria forward Chuba Akpom will not play for Ajax in their Europa League qualifier against Ludogorets on Thursday, Soccernet reports.

The 27-year-old had a superb campaign with Middlesbrough last season, scoring 28 goals in 40 appearances in the English Championship.

Following his performances, various sides were interested in the Arsenal Academy graduate. Crystal Palace, Everton, and Sheffield United were interested in signing Akpom.

However, he decided on a move to Dutch Eredivisie giants Ajax last week in a deal worth €14million.

Akpom spent the better part of the summer break recovering from a niggling injury, but he was fit enough to play for the club last week against Heracles. However, he did not play because he had not gotten his work permit yet.

The Godenzonen take on Ludogorets in the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday, but Akpom will also not be available because he has not sorted his work permit issue yet.

It would have been easier for the former Arsenal man to get a permit if he had up to three caps for Nigeria. However, the club would surely be working round the clock to make sure their star signing plays for the club as soon as possible.