Chelle faces squad crisis as Super Eagles star ruled out until next year ahead of World Cup playoff

Super Eagles star Felix Agu has been ruled out until next year, with no specific return date, leaving Eric Chelle in a difficult situation.

Agu suffered a serious injury during the home match against FC St. Pauli in early October, which saw him miss the Super Eagles' last two qualifying games.

Despite the setback, the 26-year-old has been seen in good spirits, even appearing in a social media video for his beverage brand, "5AM Agua," while on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

Agu's absence has been keenly felt on the left side of Werder's defence, with limited options to play in his position.

Felix Agu out until next year

Peter Niemeyer, the club's Head of Professional Football, has provided an update on Agu's rehabilitation timeline.

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The exact date for Agu's return in the new year remains uncertain as he remains sidelined and could miss the World Cup playoff in November.

Niemeyer, who is in regular contact with Werder Bremen's medical department, explained that the initial stages of Agu's recovery took place away from the club to provide a change of scenery.

"He underwent surgery in Berlin and also spent the first two weeks of his rehab there," Niemeyer stated. The versatile full-back will now continue his rehabilitation in Bremen.

He won't be returning to the pitch anytime soon, though. Niemeyer stated, "His comeback will definitely be in the new year," at a fan club gathering.

Marco Friedl, a natural center-back, has had to fill in at the unfamiliar left-back position for the last three matches.

With Felix's return uncertain, Eric Chelle has been put in a tight position ahead of the playoffs, with Super Eagles set to face Gabon.

The defender joins the list of players set to miss the game in November, adding to Chelle's headache as he plans to release his call-up list for the match.