Sierra Leone skipper Steven Caulker, 31, is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks after successful surgery on his knee on Thursday.
The experienced defender sustained the injury in Wigan Athletic’s final goalless draw of the English Championship season against Rotherham United this week.
Sierra Leone is set to host Nigeria on June 18 at the Samuel Kayon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia, and the Leone Stars skipper is doubtful to be fully fit on time.
The Africa Cup of Nations matchday five qualifier is a must-win game for John Keister’s team if they are to revive hopes of reaching Ivory Coast 2023.
It’s a 50-50 that the former Tottenham and Liverpool defender could captain Leone Stars against Nigeria. Sierra Leone revamped their hopes of reaching 2023 AFCIN in Ivory Coast with a comfortable 2-0 victory over their Central African opponent Sao Tome and Principe, on March 26 in Morocco.
As a result, they stand third in Group A behind Super Eagles on nine points and Guinea Bissau on seven first and second, respectively.
The Super Eagles, who are aiming for a third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearance, suffered a defeat to Guinea-Bissua at home but regained the top spot by defeating Bissau in March.
Sierra Leone skipper Steven Caulker is out for up to six weeks and could miss Nigeria's AFCON qualify next month.
— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) May 12, 2023
Caulker underwent a successful medial meniscus surgery on Thursday.
It's a 50-50 that he could captain Leone Stars against Nigeria.#SaloneTwitter @NGSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/wQytEllBN9
Confirmed – Sierra Leone to host @NGSuperEagles in Liberia#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023Q match day 5 between Sierra Leone v @SSE_NGA to be played at the Samuel Kayon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia June 18 next month.
— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) May 12, 2023
Leone Stars must win to revive hopes of Ivory Coast. pic.twitter.com/ya5NUJh2xt
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