Côte d'Ivoire head coach had confirmed the absence of forward Sebastien Haller, for the opening game against Guinea Bissau at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is nursing an injury and will miss the tie against the Nzalang Nacional.
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Gasset assured that Haller will likely return for subsequent matches after a five-day break.
“Tomorrow Haller will not be available for Guinea-Bissau’s match, and with a five-day break, I believe he will return with the squad,” Gasset told a press conference in Abidjan on Friday.
“He has been training hard with other players facing similar problems, and we are hopeful he will be useful for the next games.”
The team, also pitted against Nigeria, remains optimistic about Haller's contribution in the later stages of the competition.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun