Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi is expected to spend about two months on the sidelines after medical tests confirmed an adductor injury to his right leg.
Sanusi sustained the injury during Porto’s 3-0 victory over Académico de Viseu on Saturday and was forced to leave the pitch after just 17 minutes.
The 29-year-old suffered the setback while attempting to play the ball. Despite receiving treatment, he was unable to continue, with Martim Fernandes coming on as his replacement.
Porto subsequently added Sanusi to their medical report and subjected him to further examinations to determine the severity of the injury.
Tests conducted on Sunday confirmed the adductor problem, with Portuguese publication O Jogo reporting that the Nigerian defender is not expected to return until after the next international break.
Porto head coach Francesco Farioli had already expressed concern about the injury immediately after the match.
“Zaidu’s looks like something very serious, and Jan seems to have twisted his knee. We’ll see,” Farioli said, according to OneFootball.
The injury represents a significant setback for Sanusi, who had featured in every minute of Porto’s league campaign before Saturday’s match.
He remains an important player in Farioli’s plans despite entering the final year of his contract with the Portuguese club.
Sanusi’s projected two-month absence could also see him miss Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin next month.
His injury comes at a difficult time for the Super Eagles, with the national team expected to begin preparations for the next phase of the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Despite losing Sanusi to injury, Porto maintained their perfect start to the Portuguese league season against Académico de Viseu.
Andre Silva, Gabri Veiga and William Gomes were on target as Porto secured their fourth consecutive league victory.
The result leaves Porto top of the standings with 12 points from four matches, two points ahead of Sporting CP.
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