Cyriel Dessers’s season has come to a premature end following a significant injury setback suffered during the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Panathinaikos without one of their attacking options for the remainder of the campaign.
The Nigerian striker sustained the injury shortly before Nigeria’s final group-stage fixture, with early diagnosis revealing a rupture involving a tendon connected to the rectus femoris in his right leg. Despite the seriousness of the issue, the initial approach from the club’s medical team was cautious, opting for rehabilitation rather than immediate surgery.
There was optimism that a structured recovery plan could allow Dessers return before the season concluded. However, that hope began to fade when he resumed higher-intensity training in mid-March and experienced renewed discomfort.
According to Sportal Greece, subsequent medical examinations confirmed that the injury had not healed adequately, making surgery unavoidable and effectively ruling him out for the rest of the season.
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The procedure has since been successfully carried out abroad, with Panathinaikos now prioritizing a carefully managed rehabilitation process to ensure full recovery. Medical staff are expected to closely monitor his progress in the coming months.
A return to training is currently projected for early July, which would align with pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign.
Before the injury setback, Dessers had started to find his rhythm, contributing two goals and one assist in just five league appearances; an indication of his potential impact in the squad.
His absence represents a setback for Panathinaikos at a crucial stage of the season, but the focus remains firmly on long-term fitness as Dessers works toward a full recovery and a strong return next season.
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