Cyriel Dessers will play no further part in the 2025/26 season after undergoing surgery for a persistent thigh injury. The 32-year-old Nigeria international, who plays for Panathinaikos, sustained the injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year. He returned to Greece for treatment and did not feature in any matches for the Super Eagles at the tournament. Medical assessments revealed the injury had not healed sufficiently, prompting the decision for surgery. Recovery time is expected to keep him out for approximately three months. Panathinaikos had announced in February that Dessers was back on the training pitch and close to a return. However, the club confirmed the setback following further examinations. Dessers joined Panathinaikos from Rangers in the Scottish Premiership during the previous summer transfer window. In his brief time with the Greek side, he managed two goals and one assist across five league appearances. His absence leaves a gap in the team's attacking options for the remainder of the season.