Alex Iwobi warming up Copyright: ImagoxZacharyxLockex
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi could miss the remainder of the season after suffering a suspected hamstring injury during Fulham’s draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iwobi retained his place in the Cottagers’ starting XI for the visit to fellow European hopefuls Brentford in the weekend’s opening Premier League fixture.
With both teams evenly matched heading into the contest, a tight affair was expected. The opening exchanges produced few chances, as both sides cancelled each other out in a crowded midfield.
Unfortunately for Fulham, they lost Iwobi in the 42nd minute. The Super Eagles star went to the ground unchallenged, clearly in pain, and required immediate attention from the medical staff.
It quickly became apparent that he could not continue, and he was eventually substituted. Iwobi’s grimace while clutching the back of his thigh strongly suggested a hamstring strain.
Fellow Super Eagles international Samuel Chukwueze replaced Iwobi, but he struggled to influence the match, which ultimately ended goalless. It was a gritty encounter with few clear-cut opportunities; on the balance of play, a draw was a fair result for both sides.
When Will Alex Iwobi Return to Action?
Given Iwobi’s reaction, there is a high probability that he has sustained a hamstring injury. Typically, such injuries sideline players for four to six weeks, depending on the severity.
However, Iwobi is known for his durability. Throughout his career, he has rarely been sidelined for more than a few weeks at a time. Consequently, there remains a slight possibility of a quicker-than-expected recovery.
Nevertheless, if the initial fears are confirmed, the 29-year-old will forced to watch Fulham’s final five games of the campaign from the sidelines. With the Premier League season concluding on May 24—just over five weeks away—time is not on his side.