Maxwell Cornet’s week has gone from bad to worse, with the Ivorian international facing both an extended absence from the national team and a fresh injury setback that will sideline him for a month.
Omitted from Ivory Coast Squad
Despite a bright start to his loan spell at Genoa from West Ham, where he has registered two goals and an assist in six matches, Cornet has not been included in Ivory Coast’s squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia later this month.
The 28-year-old forward has not featured for the Elephants since earning his 31st cap against Lesotho in September 2023, and his international exile will now extend further.
Injury Blow Adds to Disappointment
Just a day after learning of his omission from the national team, Cornet suffered another setback. Italian media outlet GenovaToday reported on Tuesday that the former Lyon attacker will be sidelined for at least a month after sustaining a flexor muscle injury. He was forced off the pitch last Friday during Genoa’s 1-1 draw with Cagliari, shortly after scoring the equalizer.
Medical tests are planned in the coming weeks to assess the progress of his recovery, but his availability for the final stretch of the season now remains in doubt.
A Challenging Period for Cornet
While the reasons behind his omission from the Ivory Coast squad remain unclear, his injury concerns may have played a role in coach Emerse Faé’s decision to leave him out.
This latest setback also threatens to disrupt what had been a promising spell in Serie A following a difficult stint at Southampton last season, where he managed just four appearances without scoring.
For Cornet, this represents a significant hurdle as he looks to regain full fitness and push for a return to both club and international football.
