Van Bommel gives injury update on 'No 1 midfielder' Alhassan Yusuf

Royal Antwerp manager Mark van Bommel has provided updates on the fitness situation of Nigerian-born midfielder Alhassan Yusuf after a recent injury scare.

Royal Antwerp got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Sint-Truidense VV in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League on Friday night after suffering a shock defeat to KV Kortrijk in their previous match.

However, Super Eagles hopeful Yusuf had to be withdrawn from the match in the 86th minute and carried off the pitch with a stretcher as Christopher Scott took his place.

A day after the match, Royal Antwerp manager Van Bommel has provided a positive update on the 22-year-old's injury scare against Sint-Truidense.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws as reported by Voetbalprimeur, the former Dutch international now coach revealed that Yusuf only complained of 'cramps' likely due to his relentless running on the pitch.

Van Bommel said: "I think those were severe cramps. He walks a lot. Cramps can be quite difficult. At least, that's how he told me."

Royal Antwerp defender Jelle Bataille further stressed the importance of Yusuf to the team, describing him as 'a tough guy' who has become the 'number one in midfield' for Mark van Bommel's side.

"He's a tough guy. Hopefully it's not too bad. Yusuf is the number one in midfield for us. If he was out for a long time, that would be a shame," Bataille said.

Royal Antwerp are currently top of the Belgian Pro League with 30 points from 11 matches. Their next match is away at Standard Liege on Sunday, October 16.