Nathan Tella: Xabi Alonso issues Super Eagles star’s injury update

Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella will have to undergo a late fitness test to be available for Bayer Leverkusen's DFB Pokal game at Arminia Bielefield, Soccernet.ng reports.

Tella has been out of action with an injury for the last three weeks due to an injury and that kept him out of action for Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

The 25-year-old forward was called up to camp, but he had to reject the invitation and was later replaced with Jordan Torunarigha.

Tella also missed Bayer Leverkusen's last game against Bochum, which they won 3-1 at Bay Arena. But he now is close to making his return.

According to Die Werkself boss Alonso, the 25-year-old forward is close to returning and could even be available for their DFB Pokal game against Arminia Bielefeld at Schuco Arena on Tuesday.

“Nathan [Tella feels] way better. We train now, but if there is no problem [during the session], he will be in the squad [against Bielefeld tomorrow],” Alonso said, per Werkself.

A win for Bayer Leverkusen would seal their place in the final of the DFB Pokal for a second season in a row.

Did Nathan Tella avoid a Super Eagles call-up?

When it was announced that Nathan Tella would miss the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, there were many rumors that he did not want to play for Nigeria.

However, it appears that his injury claim was real, as he also missed Bayer Leverkusen's games against Bochum.