Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is expected to return to action on April 11, with the Super Eagles centre-back to be absent from only Nigeria’s March friendlies after withdrawing from the squad with a back injury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Bassey had been named in coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad but pulled out last week, prompting the call-up of Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu as his replacement. The withdrawal came as a surprise given that the 26-year-old had played the full 90 minutes in Fulham’s 3-1 win over Burnley in their final match before the international break.
The projected April 11 return date suggests the injury is not serious and may have been a precautionary measure.
Fulham do not have a league fixture in the first weekend after the international break, following their FA Cup exit, meaning Bassey’s first game back is likely to be a significant away clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
The timing is crucial for Fulham, who are pushing for European qualification.
The Cottagers currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, five points behind fifth-placed Liverpool with seven matches remaining, and will need Bassey at his best to maintain their push.
The Nigerian has been a pivotal figure for Fulham this season, featuring in 23 of their 31 league matches, missing only the seven games that fell during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
He won the club’s Player of the Year award last season and has continued in the same vein this term.
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