Less than three weeks before the commencement of the highly anticipated AFCON 2023, Ivory Coast faces a significant setback as Simon Adingra, a key player in the Elephants’ lineup, is now uncertain about his participation due to a hamstring injury.
The untimely news has cast a cloud over the national team’s preparations, especially for coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who is on the brink of finalizing his squad for the African Cup of Nations.
Roberto De Zerbi, the Brighton coach, delivered the concerning update just a day before Gasset was set to unveil the final list of 27 players for AFCON 2023. Adingra, the talented young winger, is grappling with a hamstring injury that is likely to rule him out of his debut appearance in the African Cup of Nations.
“I don’t know if he will be able to play in the African Cup because of his injury. He needs four or five weeks.
It’s a muscle injury, in the hamstrings,” stated De Zerbi, delivering a blow to Adingra’s aspirations.
The injury occurred during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace last week.
This development is a significant setback for Gasset, who has relied on Adingra as an integral part of his tactical system.
The Abidjan native has been a regular starter in the Elephants’ recent fixtures, showcasing his versatility and contributing with his first goal for the national team in a commanding 9-0 victory against Seychelles.
Adingra’s stellar performances haven’t gone unnoticed at the club level either.
Following a successful loan stint with Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, he made his mark with Brighton this season, tallying 5 goals and 3 assists.
The injury news comes as another blow for the Elephants, following concerns over the fitness of Sébastien Haller.
As Ivory Coast awaits Gasset’s official squad announcement on Thursday, December 28, the uncertainty surrounding Simon Adingra’s availability adds an element of anxiety to the team’s preparation for AFCON 2023.
