Benin Republic head coach Michel Dussuyer is struggling to put together a squad for this month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Nigeria and Sierra Leone, Completesports.com reports.

Dussuyer was initially scheduled to unveil his squad for both games on Tuesday but it was postponed to Thursday following uncertainties over the availability of majority of the foreign-based players due to travel restrictions caused by coronavirus pandemic.

The Frenchman is set to be without the likes of Jodel Dossou, Steve Mounie, Sessi d ‘Almeida , Khaled Adénon and other France-based players for the qualifiers.

The French government has already imposed a mandatory 7-day quarantine for any person who travels out of Europe.

“The clubs have the backing of FIFA not to release players on health grounds and there is nothing the Federation or Dussuyer can do about that.

“The squad is already depleted as there is now a possibility that all the players playing in France will not be available for the games.

“You know more than half of the players in our team are based in France. The coach has also decided to wait until Thursday before releasing the final list.”

“The two days will give him the opportunity to know the players who will be available for the games.”

The Squirrels will host the Super Eagles at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto Novo on March 27 and then face Sierra Leone three days later in Conakry.

Benin occupy second position in Group L with seven points from four games and will secure a spot in Cameroon with a win against the Super Eagles.

By Adeboye Amosu

source:- completesports