Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s fitness has once again come under scrutiny after the Super Eagles midfielder trained away from the main Lazio group ahead of their midweek clash against Genoa.
The 24-year-old was spotted doing individual drills at Formello on Tuesday, fuelling speculation that he may still be struggling with a physical issue, and casting doubt over his readiness despite being named in the travelling squad.
Dele-Bashiru's absence from Lazio’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final exit last week was already puzzling. Despite the dramatic tie against Bodo/Glimt going to penalties, Dele-Bashiru was left unused throughout, suggesting that he might have been nursing an issue even then.
This comes not long after Dele-Bashiru returned from injury. He picked up a knock during Lazio’s 0–0 draw with Venezia on February 22, which ruled him out of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s reintegration falters amid fitness doubts
Since his recovery, Dele-Bashiru has been gradually reintegrated into Marco Baroni's side, making a substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw with Torino on March 31 and starting in Lazio’s 1-0 win over Atalanta.
He also featured in the Rome derby against Roma and came off the bench in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Bodo/Glimt.
However, he was an unused substitute in the second leg, which went to penalties—raising eyebrows, given the physical demands of extra time. His lack of involvement in that match now appears more telling.
Dele-Bashiru initially joined Lazio on a season-long loan from Turkish side Hatayspor, with an option to make the move permanent. The deal, reportedly worth €7 million, has now been finalised, securing the Nigerian midfielder's stay in the Italian capital until 2028.
The former Sheffield Wednesday man has made 28 appearances for Lazio, starting 17 of those matches. During this time, he has scored two goals, provided three assists, and averaged 59 minutes per game.
