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Akpan picked up the injury whilst playing for Nigeria against Congo in qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations, with the Royals midfielder confirming he's dislocated his shoulder.
Thank you for all the get well soon messages. Dislocated my shoulder in yesterday's game V Congo. Thank God it wasn't anything worse.
— Hope Akpan (@HopeAkpan) November 16, 2014
Further quotes have since been attributed to Hope across various websites, including Africanfootball.com who quote Akpan as saying.
"I’m feeling a lot better now, but I won’t be able to play on Wednesday. I hope to be back in action in a few weeks."
That prognosis was seemingly confirmed by Nigeria's team doctor who was said.
"Though the injury is not too serious, it will take him at least two weeks to recover, including the rehabilitation period before returning to action."
However, things are worse than first feared as the club confirmed the Nigerial ball-winner would miss three months.
AKPAN INJURY: @HopeAkpan set to miss three months after dislocating shoulder, read more here: http://t.co/UeIXgS8sxV pic.twitter.com/xlE999FO2D
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) November 19, 2014
The news couldn't have come at a much worse time for Akpan, who had already lost his place to Danny Williams and will now face even more competition with Jem Karacan closing in on a return to training, and now highly-rated youngster Tshibola could fancy his chances for a midfield berth.
We wish Hope the best in his recovery and will update any news as we get it here on The Tilehurst End.