Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is edging closer to full fitness, with Lazio coach Marco Baroni confirming that the Midfielder could return to action before the upcoming international break.
The Manchester City academy graduate has missed Lazio’s last two matches due to an ankle injury sustained during a goalless draw against Venezia on February 22.
As a result, he was unavailable for the Biancocelesti’s Coppa Italia clash with Inter Milan and their Serie A showdown against AC Milan.
Despite his injury, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has included Dele-Bashiru in his 39-man provisional squad for the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
Initially ruled out for 15 days, the 24-year-old has made steady progress in his recovery.
He participated in partial training with Lazio before the squad departed for Poland on Wednesday for their UEFA Europa Conference League match against Viktoria Plzeň.
While he is unlikely to feature in that European encounter, there is optimism that he could be available for Lazio’s upcoming Serie A fixture against Udinese.
Providing an update on Dele-Bashiru’s fitness, Baroni stated:
“Castellanos and Dele could return before the break , Hysaj not because the path should be different and return immediately after the break.”
The club is targeting the away match against Bologna on March 16 for Dele-Bashiru’s return, though he could be fit even earlier.
This season, the versatile midfielder has made 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
His return will be a major boost for both Lazio and the Super Eagles, with Nigeria aiming to secure crucial points in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, two must-win games if Nigeria is to avoid another World Cup qualification disaster after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Since making his international debut in October 2023, Dele-Bashiru has earned six caps for Nigeria, scoring twice.
