Bassey doubtful for Saudi friendly

Calvin Bassey is a major doubt for the Super Eagles’ friendly encounter with Saudi Arabia next month, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The left-back was substituted just seven minutes before the end of Fulham’s Carabao Cup win against Norwich City on Wednesday night.

There was a delay during the game as the left-back was down injured receiving treatment on the pitch.

Fulham’s manager Marco Silva told the media after the game that Bassey had previously been dealing with a back injury and would need to be monitored closely by the club’s medical team ahead of their West London derby against Chelsea.

While the Cottagers are yet to make any official statement as regards the player’s fitness, there has been growing concerns that the 25-year-old could be out for two weeks, making him a serious doubt for the Eagles game.

Nigeria face Saudi Arabi October 13 at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão in Portugal.

Should Bassey miss the Eagles game, he will add to the growing list of injured players as Jose Peseiro is already without Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi.

Bassey’s injury may force Peseiro to invite Jamilu Collins, who hasn’t featured for the Eagles since 2022.

The former Paderborn star had his own injury issues, limiting his appearances to 12 games since he joined Cardiff City in the summer of 2022.