Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey is expected to return to action on April 11 after a minor back issue forced him to withdraw from Nigeria’s March friendlies.
Bassey had initially been named in coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for the international window before pulling out, with Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu drafted in as a late replacement.
His withdrawal sparked some surprise after the 26-year-old completed the full match in Fulham’s 3-1 win over Burnley shortly before the break. However, the projected return date points to a short-term issue rather than a lengthy absence.
Fulham do not have an immediate Premier League fixture after the international break following their FA Cup exit, which leaves a possible comeback in their high-profile trip to Liverpool at Anfield.
The timing could be important for Marco Silva’s side as they continue their push for a European place. Fulham are ninth in the Premier League table, five points behind fifth place with seven matches left to play.
Bassey has remained a key figure in that chase. He has featured in 23 of Fulham’s 31 league matches this season, missing only games that clashed with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian centre-back also won the club’s Player of the Year award last term and has continued to play an important role this season.
In Bassey’s absence during the current international break, Nigeria recorded a 2-1 win over Iran and are due to face Jordan at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31
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