Antwerp coach considers Yusuf to replace the injured Keita
Posted : 25 October 2023
During a pre-match press conference ahead of Antwerp's UEFA Champions League clash against Porto, manager Mark van Bommel affirmed that Alhassan Yusuf is being considered as a replacement for the injured Belgian international Mandela Keita. Mark van Bommel will be without the services of the influential defensive midfielder due to an injury sustained during the Jupiler Pro League match against RSC Charleroi last weekend.
Yusuf has played a limited role for Antwerp since recovering from a muscle injury in March 2023 and hasn't started a game for the Belgian champions in over two months. The absence of Mandela Keita offers an opportunity for the Nigerian to potentially make his full Champions League debut, having previously made appearances as a substitute against Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Mark van Bommel explained, "Yusuf played consistently before his injury, up until the winter break. Then 'Mandy' joined the squad, partly because Yusuf was still injured. But I must emphasize that Yusuf has consistently performed well, despite not being a regular starter for some time. He is indeed one of the options for that position, and when he gets on the pitch, he knows his role."
Antwerp is aiming for their first victory in the UEFA Champions League group stages after facing defeats against Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Zaidu Sanusi, the Super Eagles' left-back, is currently recovering from a muscle-related injury and has not been included in Porto's travel squad to Belgium.
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