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Ivory Coast, the host nation for the Africa Cup of Nations, will be without star striker Sebastien Haller in their opening game against Guinea-Bissau on Saturday. The 29-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward has been grappling with an ankle injury sustained in his club's Bundesliga match on December 19, rendering him unavailable for the Group A curtain-raiser at Abidjan's Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
Elephants coach Jean-Louis Gasset confirmed Haller's absence from the squad for the opening game but expressed optimism about his potential return for the subsequent match against Nigeria on January 18. Gasset acknowledged the ongoing efforts to monitor Haller's recovery, stating, "Tomorrow he will not be in the squad, for sure, but we have five days after that before the next game and we will see how he gets on."
The absence of Haller, a key figure in Ivory Coast's attacking lineup, poses a challenge for the team as they embark on their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The hope of his potential return against Nigeria adds an element of anticipation for Ivory Coast fans and the coaching staff, with the outcome likely to influence the team's dynamics in the crucial early stages of the tournament.
As the Elephants navigate the challenges of the competition, the status of Haller's injury and the subsequent decisions regarding his participation will be closely monitored, impacting Ivory Coast's aspirations in the prestigious continental tournament.
