Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is close to making his return for Lazio after spending over five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old picked up the injury during a Serie A clash between Lazio and Roma on September 21, which forced him to miss the club’s last five league matches.
The setback also ruled him out of contention for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic during the October international break.
Reports from Lazio News 24 reveal that the former Manchester City academy graduate has now resumed full training with the team and could be available for selection soon.
Dele-Bashiru walking off injured against AS Roma. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Although the exact return date has not been confirmed, it is unlikely that Dele-Bashiru will feature in the upcoming Serie A fixture against Cagliari next week. However, he may return in time for Lazio’s clash with Inter Milan before the November international break.
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Dele-Bashiru’s recovery progress means he is unlikely to make Eric Chelle’s squad for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff next month. The first leg is barely two weeks away, and the midfielder has not played competitive football for nearly two months.
Dele-Bashiru lays on the turf injured. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Nonetheless, the Lazio man is expected to regain match fitness after the international break, which could serve as a final audition for players ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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If he impresses on his return to club action, Dele-Bashiru could still force his way back into the Super Eagles setup before the AFCON.
