Ivory Coast star Nicolas Pepe undergoes eye surgery, doubtful for AFCON qualifiers in November

Ivory Coast have been handed a potential injury setback after forward Nicolas Pepe underwent eye surgery, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming international break.

The Villarreal attacker is facing an uncertain spell on the sidelines following the procedure, with no official return date announced. His recovery will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as both his club and the Ivorian national team await further updates on his condition.

Pepe had already missed Villarreal’s La Liga encounter against Real Madrid last Saturday, and his latest setback means he could remain unavailable for selection until his recovery is complete.

With approximately one month remaining before the next international break, the 31-year-old faces a race against time to regain full fitness and return to competitive action. However, his participation in Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming fixtures will depend on his progress during rehabilitation and medical clearance.

His potential absence would be a concern for the Elephants as they prepare for the next stage of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The reigning African champions are scheduled to face The Gambia in a two-legged contest in November, with both matches forming part of the third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers.

Pepe’s experience and attacking qualities could prove valuable as Côte d’Ivoire seek to maintain their momentum in the qualifying campaign. His availability would therefore be an important consideration for the technical team as preparations gather pace.

For now, the Elephants will have to wait for further medical updates before determining whether the former Arsenal winger will be available for the November fixtures. His recovery over the coming weeks is expected to provide a clearer picture of his chances of returning to the national team.