Ivory Coast are facing an early selection headache ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after doubts emerged over the fitness of defender Clément Akpa, with coach Emerse Faé already preparing contingency plans in case the AJ Auxerre player is ruled out.
Akpa, 24, is currently part of Ivory Coast’s squad for the tournament, but his involvement in the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19 remains uncertain due to a muscle injury sustained in his club’s recent Ligue 1 match against Lille.
AJ Auxerre secured a 2-0 victory in that game, but the positive result was overshadowed by the setback to Akpa, who has now become a major concern for the national team management as preparations intensify.
The defender had already missed the previous Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and there are now fears he could again be absent from a major international tournament if his recovery does not progress in time.
According to reports from Ivoirezine.com, the situation has prompted urgent internal discussions within the Ivory Coast technical team, with coach Faé opting to act quickly rather than wait for a late decision on the player’s condition.
As a precautionary measure, Christopher Operi has been called up from the reserve list to join the squad in Paris.
The Istanbul Başakşehir left-back has already linked up with the team and is understood to be ready to step in if Akpa is officially withdrawn from the final World Cup squad.
While no final decision has been made, Operi’s early inclusion highlights the seriousness of the concern surrounding Akpa’s fitness and the need for immediate cover in defence.
Faé is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely in the coming days, with medical assessments set to determine whether Akpa will be able to travel to North America with the squad or be forced to withdraw entirely.
For Ivory Coast, the timing of the injury concern is particularly delicate as the team builds towards a highly anticipated World Cup campaign.
The Elephants are aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage, but uncertainty over key personnel is already testing squad depth and planning.
Operi’s presence in the camp in Paris provides some reassurance, ensuring that the coaching staff will not be left short of options should Akpa be ruled out.
His experience at club level in Turkey is expected to provide useful cover in the left-back role.
For now, the final verdict on Akpa remains pending, with Ivory Coast waiting anxiously for medical updates that will determine whether one of their defensive options will make the journey to the World Cup or be forced to watch from afar.
