Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has downplayed concerns over a serious injury setback for Super Eagles star Nathan Tella after the forward was forced off in the first half of their 3-1 triumph over Hoffenheim, Soccernet.football reports.
Tella’s fine form for the reigning Bundesliga champions this season has seen him gain the trust of his manager, with Alonso now utilizing the 25-year-old in a much more frequent manner.
The Nigeria international was making his seventh start in the German top-flight this season, just one start shy of his total tally of eight starts during their spectacular championship winning campaign last term.
Alonso’s Leverkusen will face 2nd Bundesliga highflyers FC Koln in the DFB Pokal on Wednesday, February 5, and the Spanish gaffer has expressed hope that Tella will be available for the encounter.
Speaking at a press conference as quoted by WerkselfXtra via X (formerly Twitter), Alonso responded when quizzed about the extent of Nigerian’s injury;
“It is not too bad. We hope to have him in the squad [in the DFB Pokal against Köln] on Wednesday.”
Tella will be itching for a return to full fitness as soon as possible to avoid losing his plans in Alonso’s plans after watching new recruit Emiliano Buendia, who replaced him against Hoffenheim put on a really impressive debut display.
The highly versatile forward will also have his sights set on reclaiming a spot in the Super Eagles setup ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games against the likes of Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
With an attack-minded manager in Eric Chelle now in charge of the Super Eagles, Tella will fancy his chances of earning a call-up after missing out on Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign.