Good news for Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr as Nigeria international Brian Idowu was part of Lokomotiv Moscow’s traveling party to Spain, where they have resumed preparations for the second half of the Russian Premier League season. The versatile fullback was among seven players classed as defenders who have flown to Marbella. During their get-together in Spain, the Railwaymen have lined up friendlies against Norwegian clubs Viking (February 21), Sarpsborg 08 (February 25) and Molde ( February 26).
Idowu would be hoping he’s handed a runout in the preparatory games as he is lacking match fitness ahead of the Super Eagles international fixtures against Seychelles and Egypt in March. The St. Petersburg native has not figured for Lokomotiv Moscow since November 6, 2018 when he logged ninety minutes in a 4-1 loss to Porto in the group stage of the Champions League. Lokomotiv Moscow’s next competitive game comes up against Krylya Sovetov on March 2.
The bad news for the German manager is that Leon Balogun is rated as doubtful to take to the pitch when Brighton & Hove travel to Leicester City in the next round of matches in the Premier League. The Nigeria international has returned to the treatment room after suffering a shoulder injury in training ahead of the Seagulls Emirates FA Cup clash against Derby County. Brighton & Hove have not confirmed how long Balogun will be sidelined but Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will be concerned about the fitness of the central defender as he is expected to announce his roster for the upcoming games against Seychelles and Egypt within the next eighteen days.
The 30-year-old only recently recovered from illness before this latest setback. A metatarsal fracture kept Balogun out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and he was not considered for the 2017 AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania and Egypt after suffering injuries. He was not available for selection against Togo and South Africa in June 2017 due to a thigh complaint and suddenly fell ill just before a pre-World Cup friendly vs Serbia.