Despite suffering a physical issue during the Roma–Lazio derby at the end of last season, Evan Ndicka has been officially included in Ivory Coast’s squad for the World Cup.
The decision highlights the confidence of the Ivorian medical and technical staff in the Roma defender’s recovery timeline, with the national team believing he will be available for selection during the tournament.
On the eve of Ivory Coast’s opening match against Ecuador, head coach Emerse Faé addressed Ndicka’s situation in his pre-match press conference, explaining the reasoning behind his inclusion.
“Let me start with Evan Ndicka so we don’t forget his injury. I am not a medical specialist, so I cannot give precise details about his condition. If we didn’t believe he could recover in time for the competition, we would not have called him up — we would have replaced him. The fact that he is here means we believe he will be available at some point,” Faé stated.
The coach’s remarks underline a sense of cautious optimism regarding the defender’s condition. While Ndicka is not yet fully fit, he is continuing his recovery with the aim of becoming available as the tournament progresses.
For Roma, the news is encouraging, as the club closely monitors the centre-back’s rehabilitation with the hope that he can return to full fitness without complications ahead of the new season.
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