Cyriel Dessers will miss the rest of the season after deciding to undergo surgery on an injury sustained during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations early in the year.
Dessers sustained the injury on the eve of Nigeria’s last group game against the Cranes of Uganda.
The former Rangers striker left for Greece to undergo treatment, and was initially expected to be sidelined for around two months.
His Greek club, Panathinaikos, initially opted for rehabilitation rather than immediate surgery.
According to Sportal Greece, Panathinaikos have now considered immediate surgery after medical examinations confirmed that the injury had not healed adequately.
The 32-year-old is now projected to return to action before the start of next season.
Dessers linked up with Panathinaikos from Scottish Premiership giants, Rangers last summer.
The forward contributed two goals and one assist in just five league appearances.