Ivory Coast are facing uncertainty over the availability of forward Nicolas Pépé for their next international assignment after the Villarreal player underwent scheduled eye surgery.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winner has no confirmed return date after the procedure, leaving his participation in the Elephants’ next training camp in doubt.
Pépé had already missed Villarreal’s match against Real Madrid before his club announced the surgery on Saturday. His recovery will now determine when he can return to competitive action.
With the next international break approaching, the situation presents a concern for Ivory Coast as they assess the availability of one of their attacking options.
The 31-year-old winger will need time to recover, but the length of his absence remains unclear.
No final decision has been made on whether he will be fit enough to join the national team for its upcoming camp.
Pépé’s situation is particularly significant for the Elephants, who could be forced to consider their attacking options without the experienced forward if his recovery extends into the international window.
The former Arsenal player was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, making him one of the players whose availability will be closely watched by supporters as the next international assignment approaches.
His immediate priority, however, is recovering from the eye procedure and returning to action for Villarreal.
The Spanish club has announced that Pépé underwent the scheduled operation, but the information available does not specify how long he is expected to remain sidelined.
That leaves both club and country waiting for further clarity on his condition and the progress of his rehabilitation.
For Ivory Coast, the timing creates uncertainty as the coaching staff prepare for the next training camp.
His absence would mean potentially losing an option in attack, although the extent of any impact will depend on his recovery and the squad available for selection.
There is currently no confirmation that Pépé will miss the international assignment, just as there is no confirmed date for his return to club football.
Ivorian supporters will be hoping the forward makes a quick recovery and returns to the pitch in time to be considered for the Elephants’ next call-up.
Until more information becomes available about his recovery, his participation in the upcoming international break remains uncertain.
