Fisayo Dele-Bashiru set to return from injury soon

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is getting closer to returning from injury. Lazio hopes he can join team training before Saturday’s Serie A match against AC Milan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

La Gazzetta dello Sport says Dele-Bashiru might be back in group training by Thursday. If this happens, Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso could add the 25-year-old to his squad for the Milan game at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, September 12. However, it is more likely that he will start on the bench instead of playing from the start.

The midfielder has been out since August 25 due to a thigh injury. This was the day after he played 54 minutes in Lazio’s 1-0 Serie A win against Bologna. He also played 71 minutes against Mantova in the Coppa Italia eight days before that.

The injury occurred just as the Nigeria international began the new season in Gattuso’s midfield plans.

Lazio has had a strong start to the Serie A season. They won their first two matches, beating Bologna 1-0 and Genoa 1-0. They then came from behind to win 2-1 against Udinese on September 7. Dele-Bashiru missed these last two wins while recovering.

The Gazzetta report suggests that Dele-Bashiru could return to the squad sooner than expected. Earlier reports had projected October as his return date.

His recovery is also good news for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. Nigeria’s next competitive matches are coming up soon.

The Super Eagles will face Madagascar on September 23. They will then travel to Guinea-Bissau four days later for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

Dele-Bashiru has become a regular part of Nigeria’s squad. He played 27 minutes against Poland and 60 minutes against Portugal in June. During the match against Portugal, he also provided an assist in the 2-1 loss.