Kenneth Omeruo's Olympic hopes dashed in yet another unfortunate twist of fate

Back in the summer of 2013, a most unfortunate injury severely derailed young Kenneth Omeruo's best laid plans of competing for a first-team spot at Chelsea.  Now, another injury has prevented him from following through on his stated aims of making Nigeria's squad for the Rio Olympics this summer.

"I feel sad about it as it was another good opportunity for me to represent my country. The doctor insists I need rest to start next season without injury."

The 22-year-old had been nursing a recurring groin injury for some time, in part limiting him to just 21 league appearances this season for his loan club Kasimpasa in Turkey's top division.

"It is disappointing and frustrating to say the least. I'd be lying if I said I would not want to be out there playing. But at the same time I need to be fully fit to be at my best and I have no doubt that the squad will do great in Brazil. I would also like to thank the coach [Samson Siasia] for even considering me in the first place."

-Kenneth Omeruo; source: BBC

There was some confusion and speculation regarding Omeruo's absence from Siasia's partially leaked 60-man privisional squad list, so at least that part's been cleared up.  Omeruo's long-term (club) future does remain unclear however.  The Chelsea ship seem to have sailed for the young center back, and while he's been a mainstay at Kasimpasa whenever not hurt, they apparently can't quite afford to bring him on a permanent basis and have already decided against taking up the agreed upon buy-option.  The BBC article does hint that they might be exploring some sort of solution.

One thing's for sure though, injuries suck.