Host nation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast have been dealt a huge blow following the news of an injury to Brighton and Hove Albion forward Simon Adingra.
The 21-year-old has been in fine form for the Seagulls this season, with five goals and three assists across all competitions, including four goals in the Premier League.
However, Brighton’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, confirmed on Wednesday, ahead of their clash with Tottenham Hotspur, that they will be without the Ivorian winger for an extended period of time.
Adingra, who has four caps for the Elephants, is said to have suffered a hamstring injury, which will probably rule him out of action for about 4-6 weeks, subsequently forcing him to miss the AFCON showpiece in his home nation.
With the loss of one of their best youngsters to injury, Jean-Louis Gasset, Cote d’Ivoire head coach, will be forced to rethink his selection with the announcement of his final 27-man squad list edging ever closer.
Two-time winners, Cote d’Ivoire, are keen on winning their third AFCON title, and they have been drawn in Group A alongside West African neighbours Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau, as well as Equatorial Guinea.
They will kickstart their campaign in the continental showpiece with the opening match of the tournament against the Djurtus before taking on the Super Eagles of Nigeria on matchday 2 and Equatorial Guinea in the final group game.
The AFCON 2023, the 34th edition of the tournament, will kick off on January 13, 2024, and end on February 11, 2024.
