Lazio coach reveals potential Dele-Bashiru return date after inclusion in provisional Nigeria squad

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's return from injury is on the horizon, with Lazio coach Marco Baroni confirming at Wednesday's pre-match press conference that the Nigeria international could make his comeback before the international break.

The Manchester City academy product has not figured for the Biancocelesti in their last two games due to an ankle injury.

Even though he's still sidelined, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has included Dele-Bashiru in his 39-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. 

The Europa League tie with Viktoria Plzen on Thursday kicks off a crucial run of three games for the Super Eagles star to prove his fitness before the international window, with Udinese, Plzen (second leg), and Bologna next on Lazio's schedule. 

A clean bill of health will guarantee him a spot in Nigeria's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Dele-Bashiru partially trained with the group before the Lazio players headed to Poland on Wednesday. 

Speaking to reporters, Marco Baroni stated: "Castellanos and Dele could return before the break , Hysaj not because the path should be different and return immediately after the break" . 

The target is for Dele-Bashiru to be fit and available for selection by the away match against Bologna on March 16, or even earlier.

This season, the versatile midfielder has recorded twenty-three appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and producing two assists.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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