Lazio Midfielder Dele-Bashiru Out for Three Weeks with Thigh Tear

Lazio's Nigerian midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, will be out of action for at least three weeks after sustaining a first- or second-degree tear in his right thigh. The 25-year-old international was forced off in the 54th minute of Lazio's 1-0 Serie A victory over Bologna on Monday.

Davide Frattesi, who replaced Dele-Bashiru, went on to score the game's only goal five minutes later. Medical tests, as reported by Il Messaggero and La Lazio Siamo Noi, confirmed the extent of the injury, which is expected to sideline the midfielder for several weeks.

Dele-Bashiru had earned a starting position under coach Gennaro Gattuso following a promising performance in Lazio's Coppa Italia defeat to Mantova. This injury interrupts his early-season progress. He is now set to miss upcoming Serie A fixtures against Genoa, Udinese, and AC Milan, with his availability for a match against Venezia on September 19 also uncertain, depending on his recovery.

Furthermore, the injury poses a potential threat to Dele-Bashiru's participation in Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles are scheduled to play Madagascar on September 23 and Guinea-Bissau on September 27. A three-week recovery timeline would place his return around mid-September, potentially allowing him to feature in these matches. However, a prolonged absence could lead to him missing one or both games.