Vladimir Petkovic confirms Super Eagles star is injured and set to miss crucial league tie

Les Girondins endured an embarrassing weekend, and next faced a challenging league clash without one of their Nigerian imports

Girondins Bordeaux manager Vladimir Petkovic has revealed that Nigerian international forward Josh Maja is injured and will likely not be available for his side’s matchup against Olympique Marseille.

Maja spent an unfulfilling loan spell at Fulham, scoring three league goals that could not help the London side avoid relegation from the English Premier League.

But the one-cap Super Eagles star returned to Bordeaux intending to reclaim a starting shirt for the French side under new manager Petkovic.

The former Sunderland ace was, however, not listed in the squad against Clermont Foot on Sunday.

Compatriot Samuel Kalu featured decently for 72 minutes as the newly-promoted side made away with an excellent 2-0 win at the Stade Matmut Atlantique courtesy of late goals from Mohamed Bayo and Jodel Dossou.

Bordeaux need to start picking up points fast if they are to avoid last season’s struggles with relegation, but the next trip to Marseille is as challenging as they come.

The former European champions are one of only four teams to claim maximum points on the opening weekend of the Ligue 1, after carving out a thrilling 3-2 victory at Montpellier.

Bordeaux need all the help they can get to leave the Orange Velodrome with a positive result, but manager Petkovic has revealed that he won’t be able to count on one of his Nigerian stars.

The former Lazio coach said: “For Maja, I don’t think he will be available for Marseille. He is hurt. I hope I can count on our two rookies in the next games.”

Maja could still leave Bordeaux before the end of the summer transfer window as Middlesbrough are reportedly interested in snapping him off the grasp of the French club.