Nigerian striker, Cyriel Dessers, will miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 campaign after deciding to undergo surgery on a stubborn thigh injury, ending hopes of a late-season return for Panathinaikos F.C.
Cyriel Dessers is expected to be sidelined for about three months following the procedure. The injury dates back to the 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he was forced to withdraw before making an appearance for the Super Eagles.
Dessers travelled back to Greece for treatment after the tournament. In February, Panathinaikos had indicated he was back on the pitch and closing in on a comeback. Fresh medical checks later confirmed the injury had not healed as expected, prompting the decision to operate, according to Sportal Greece.
The 32-year-old only joined the Greek giants from Rangers F.C. last summer. His first season in Athens has been disrupted, with two goals and one assist from five league matches since his arrival from U.S. Cremonese.
In Scotland, Martin O’Neill has praised Kelechi Iheanacho for his influence at Celtic F.C. after the forward ended a 182-day wait for a goal at the weekend. Iheanacho struck in the 82nd minute to secure a 2-1 win over Dundee F.C. and keep Celtic firmly in the title race.
It was his fourth goal of the season and first since early October.
Speaking ahead of the clash with St Mirren F.C., O’Neill praised the striker’s commitment and influence within the squad.
“The goal that he scored for us, I think that probably would have fallen to anybody in the penalty box. He is the one that we are delighted that it did,” he said.
“He has had a few injuries but he has come through those and he wants to do the work. He is very supportive of the forwards who are playing maybe in his place. Genuinely really supportive both when he is in the squad, and if he is not on the field, he is very vocal behind me.
“He has been supportive. He has had the injuries but if he could stay fit it would be great news.”
