Super Eagles defender, Zaidu Sanusi is set to spend around two months on the sidelines after medical tests confirmed an adductor injury to his right leg, suffered during Porto’s 3-0 win over Académico de Viseu on Saturday.
Tests carried out on Sunday confirmed the injury, with Portuguese publication O Jogo reporting that Sanusi is expected to return only after the next international break.
Sanusi was forced off in the 17th minute after sustaining the injury while attempting to play the ball. The 29-year-old received treatment but was unable to continue, with Martim Fernandes replacing him.
Porto had subsequently confirmed that Sanusi was added to the club’s medical report and would undergo further diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the injury.
Speaking after the game, Porto coach Francesco Farioli had expressed concern over the setback, admitting that it appeared serious.
“Zaidu’s looks like something very serious, and Jan seems to have twisted his knee. We’ll see,” Farioli said, according to OneFootball.
The injury is a major setback for Sanusi, who had played every minute of Porto’s league campaign before Saturday’s fixture and remains an important part of Farioli’s plans despite entering the final year of his contract.
His expected two-month absence could also rule him out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin next month.
Sanusi’s setback came as Porto maintained their perfect start to the league season, with Andre Silva, Gabri Veiga and William Gomes scoring to secure a fourth consecutive victory.
The result leaves Porto top of the standings with 12 points from four matches, two points ahead of Sporting CP.
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