Benin will be without central defender Olivier Verdon for their upcoming international fixtures after the Ludogorets player was ruled out through injury, forcing head coach Gernot Rohr to make a late adjustment to his squad.
Verdon, widely regarded as a key figure in the Cheetahs’ defence, has withdrawn from the March 2026 FIFA international window, dealing a setback to the team’s preparations.
His absence comes just days before a series of friendly matches designed to fine-tune the squad ahead of future competitions.
According to Team Media Officer Hugues Zinsou Zounon, the defender’s unavailability is due to injury, prompting an immediate response from the technical team.
Jordan Lawson has been drafted in as his replacement, stepping into the squad at a crucial moment as Benin prepares for competitive test matches.
The changes come as Rohr oversees a 24-man squad selected for a training camp in Morocco, where the West African side will continue preparations during the March international break.
The camp will also feature participation in a friendly tournament, offering the team valuable match experience.
Benin are scheduled to face Palestine and Guinea in Morocco, with the fixtures seen as important opportunities to evaluate the squad’s readiness.
The matches are expected to provide insight into tactical organisation, overall cohesion, and the physical condition of players following the domestic season.
Verdon’s absence is particularly significant given his role as a central figure in the defence. His experience and consistency have made him a cornerstone of the backline, and his withdrawal leaves a gap that Rohr must now address with limited time before the matches.
Lawson’s inclusion offers a chance for the replacement to stake a claim in the team, with competition for places expected to intensify.
The upcoming games will be closely watched by the coaching staff as they assess both established players and those looking to break into the squad.
Rohr’s selection reflects a broader effort to balance continuity with evaluation, as the team builds towards future challenges.
The training camp in Morocco provides an environment for refining strategies while also testing depth across multiple positions.
The friendlies are not only about immediate results but also about shaping the team’s long-term direction.
Performances in these matches could influence future squad selections, particularly as the competition for places increases.
For Benin, the loss of Verdon is an unwelcome disruption at a critical stage of preparation. However, it also opens the door for other players to step forward and demonstrate their capabilities under pressure.
As the Cheetahs continue their preparations, attention will now turn to how effectively the squad adapts to the defensive reshuffle.
With important fixtures on the horizon, Rohr and his staff will be looking for reassurance that the team can maintain stability despite the absence of one of its most reliable defenders.
Earlier squad announced
