Super Eagles star doubtful for Champions League clash against Liverpool

Several Super Eagles will be in action when the UEFA Champions League resumes tomorrow, with many blockbuster fixtures to look forward to, but one of the star players might be absent against Liverpool.

LASK forward Moses Usor is a doubt for the clash against the Merseysiders after suffering a shoulder injury in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Rapid Wien.

The 24-year-old was introduced from the bench in the 61st minute at the Raiffeisen Arena but was forced off just 12 minutes later, raising concerns over his availability for Wednesday’s fixture.

Usor’s injury comes at an important point in his career, following his impressive debut for Nigeria last month, when he scored the winning goal in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Madagascar in an AFCON 2027 qualifier.

Super Eagles winger Moses Usor. Copyright: Imago

LASK coach provides Moses Usor injury update

LASK are scheduled to host Liverpool on Wednesday. However, head coach Dietmar Kühbauer is waiting to see how quickly the Nigerian forward can recover from the shoulder problem.

“With Mo, it’s the shoulder joint that is a bit injured. I hope it won’t take too long,” the Austrian Manager said in quotes revealed by Laola.

Although the coach expressed hope that the injury would not keep the Nigerian sidelined for an extended period, he did not confirm whether Usor would be available to face Andoni Iraola's side.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest. Copyright: Imago

The forward’s condition will be closely monitored ahead of Wednesday's clash, with LASK preparing for a demanding run of matches across domestic and European competitions.

Usor was not the only player to suffer an injury against Wien. American defender George Bello also came off during the game, and Kühbauer confirmed that the left-back would miss the Liverpool encounter because of a muscle injury.

“George appears to have a muscle injury. He definitely won’t be available on Wednesday,” the coach said about the Abuja-born left-back.

Super Eagles star looks to build on impressive Nigeria debut

Usor will be hoping to return quickly after making an encouraging start to his international career with Nigeria.

The former Slavia Prague forward made his competitive debut for the Super Eagles against Madagascar on the 25th of September and needed only four minutes after coming off the bench to score the winning goal.

Moses Usor lauded by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams. Photo by Nsidibe Akpan/Imago

He received a headed pass from Semi Ajayi, drove forward, took two defenders out and finished with a left-footed effort to complete Nigeria’s comeback victory in Uyo.

The goal made Usor an instant talking point among Nigerian football fans and added to the growing attention surrounding his performances in Austria.

His emergence also gives Nigeria another attacking option as the Super Eagles continue their preparations for upcoming international assignments.

However, his priority will be recovery. With Liverpool arriving in Linz for the Champions League fixture, Usor faces a race against time to be fit for arguably LASK’s biggest matches of the campaign.

For now, the Nigerian’s availability remains uncertain, with Kühbauer hoping the shoulder problem will not keep him out for long.