Ahead of the crucial World Cup play-offs against Ghana later this month, Super Eagles head coach Austin Eguavoen has been handed a major boost after assistant captain William Troost-Ekong returned to full training on Wednesday and could be available for the clash against the Black Stars.
Eguavoen has been sweating over the match fitness of the central defender, but remained optimistic and named the the28-year-old in his initial 32-man list for the double-header showdown.
Troost-Ekong has been nursing a groin injury that was initially feared could keep him out of action for a lengthy period.
The former Udinese man is yet to feature for the Hornets since returning from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January after Nigeria crashed out of the tournament at the knockout stages.
More eyebrows were raised after Watford manager Roy Hodgson, ahead of the weekend Premier League game against Arsenal, suggested the Nigeria international had suffered a groin problem that could keep him away from the pitch until the start of April.
The statement caused a scare in the Nigerian camp ahead of the all-important ties with the Black Stars.
However, the English Premier League club confirmed on Wednesday that the defender has resumed full training and will be available for selection.
“…William Troost-Ekong makes his return to full training today (Wednesday) following a minor groin problem, but tomorrow’s Molineux encounter is likely to come too soon for the Nigeria (assistant) captain,” the club wrote on their website.
The game against Wolves may come too soon for the defender but Eguavoen will be relieved knowing that he will be available for the game against Ghana on March 25 and 29.
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