LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

With Henry Onyekuru looking doubtful for World Cup, will Everton get a work permit?

Anderlecht's Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru (L) vies for the ball with Paris Saint-Germain's French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola during the UEFA Cha...
Follow us on Google Discover

The Nigerian international looks set to miss the rest of the season with his knee injury.

Anderlecht's Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Celtic and Anderlecht at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow,...Anderlecht’s Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru

In the summer Everton made plenty of new signings, including that of Henry Onyekuru. The Nigerian talent was snapped up from Belgian side KAS Eupen in the summer, for a fee reported by the BBC to be in the region of £7 million.

Unfortunately, considering his lack of football for the Nigerian national team, he was not going to receive a work permit and returned to Belgium – joining Anderlecht on loan for the season.

Next season Everton would surely have hoped to have him back, but it is looking increasingly likely that will not happen either.

Anderlecht's Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru (C) runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Celtic and Anderlecht at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow,...Anderlecht’s Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru (C)

Reports in Belgium this week are suggesting he is not likely to play again this season after the knee ligament injury he suffered in December.

DH in Belgium is reporting Anderlecht do not feel he will play again this season, leaving him a major doubt for the Nigeria squad at this summer’s World Cup.

Henry Onyekuru of Anderlecht in action during the UEFA Champions League group B match between RSC Anderlecht and Bayern Muenchen at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on November 22, 2017 in...Henry Onyekuru of Anderlecht

For Everton this will be a massive concern. Playing for the Super Eagles is the only realistic chance they have of managing to secure a work permit for the player and if he misses out on the World Cup, the Toffees will need to find him another temporary home next season.

Onyekuru, who scored 10 goals in 28 appearances for the Brussels side before his injury, will just hope to prove some doubters wrong and get back in action before the end of the campaign. If he can do that, perhaps Russia 2018 and a season with Everton next year is in his sights.