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AFCON 2015: Ivory Coast Sweating on Fitness of Gradel and Diomandé

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AFCON 2015: Injury Worries for Ivory Coast as Gradel and Diomandé Emerge Doubtful

With the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, Ivory Coast has become the latest team hit by injury concerns. Just 12 days before the tournament kicks off, two key players — Max-Alain Gradel and Ismaël Diomandé — are in serious doubt for the competition.

Both players, who feature for French club AS Saint-Étienne, missed Sunday’s French Cup tie against Nancy due to muscle injuries sustained in the lead-up to the match. Their absence has raised concerns within the Ivorian camp, which began its pre-tournament training in Dubai this Monday.

Saint-Étienne head coach Christophe Galtier confirmed the injury situation and revealed communication had already taken place with Ivory Coast head coach Hervé Renard.

“Max-Alain Gradel has a serious muscle injury. I’ve spoken with Hervé Renard, and the player now needs to be assessed by the national team’s medical staff,” said Galtier.

While Galtier didn’t provide a specific timeline for recovery, the use of the word “serious” has triggered alarm bells in the Elephants’ camp. Ismaël Diomandé is reportedly suffering from a similar muscular issue, although the extent of his injury is not yet clear.

For now, the Ivorian Football Federation has not announced any replacements or withdrawals, with the national team’s medical staff set to evaluate both players upon their arrival in Dubai. The final decision on their participation will likely be made within the next few days.

Ivory Coast, one of the tournament favourites, has been drawn into a tough Group D, where they will face Cameroon, Guinea, and Mali — all formidable opponents in what promises to be one of the most competitive groups of the competition.

With the squad already under pressure to deliver in the post-Drogba era, any loss of key personnel such as Gradel — a dynamic winger with match-winning potential — or Diomandé — a promising young midfielder — would be a significant blow to Renard’s plans.

As AFCON 2015 looms, the Elephants will hope their injury worries are short-lived and that their full squad will be fit and ready to mount a serious challenge for continental glory.

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Saima Ghaffar

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