World Cup: Odilon Kossounou races against time to be fit for tournament

Ivory Coast defender Odilon Kossounou could be racing against time to be fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, USA and Canada.

The Atalanta right back joined the fray in the 48th minute, replacing Giorgio Scalvini during his side’s 3-2 victory at giants AC Milan in their week 36 fixture.

He will however be substituted in the 63rd minute after suffering a thigh sprain with his place taken by Honest Ahanor.

The 25-year-old will now be assessed by the medical team of Atalanta to ascertain the gravity of the thigh injury as the World Cup draws closer.

Kossounou has made 19 league appearances with a goal

Kossounou has been impressive for the Serie A side, notching 19 appearances with a goal to his credit this campaign.

With a little over a month to kick off the global football showpiece, the Elephants coach will be forced to look for a replacement should the defender miss out on the journey.

The former Bayer Leverkusen defender played four matches for the Elephants as they exited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 3-2 against Egypt.

The Abidjan born defender has 36 caps for Ivory Coast who paired against former World Champions Germany, Curaçao and Ecuador in Group E of the World Cup.

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