Cote d’Ivoire’s star forward, Sebastien Haller, will be absent from the team’s opening match against Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday. The Borussia Dortmund player, who has been struggling with an ankle problem, was ruled out of the game due to injury.
The news was confirmed by the Elephants’ head coach, Jean Louis Gasset, during a press conference in Abidjan on the eve of the match. “Tomorrow he will not be in the squad, for sure, but we have five days after that before the next game, and we will see how he gets on,” Gasset told reporters.
Haller, who has not scored for Dortmund since August, has had a challenging season. However, a fit Haller would likely lead the line for the host nation at the AFCON as Ivory Coast chases a third continental title.
In addition to Haller, Brighton and Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra is also set to miss out against Guinea-Bissau with a muscle injury. Despite these setbacks, Gasset remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. “We feel the expectation every day but we just need to live with it,” said the 70-year-old Frenchman.
As the tournament progresses, fans and teammates alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on Haller’s recovery and potential return to the field.