Emenike to miss 2014 qualifiers and Confederations Cup

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike will miss June's 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the Fifa Confederations Cup due to a knee injury.

The 25-year-old Spartak Moscow picked up the injury on Sunday, on his return from a long-term hamstring layoff, during a Russian Premier League match.

His club have confirmed that Emenike will be out of action for two months.

"It's a terrible setback for me because I was very happy to be back playing again on Sunday," he told BBC Sport.

"I know injury is part of football but sometimes you struggle to understand why it happens so soon again after recovering.

"Our team doctor is confident I will be back playing again after two months, hopefully I can return stronger and better."

This latest injury setback means the joint-top scorer from the Africa Cup of Nations will not be available for Nigeria when they travel to play Kenya on the 5 June .

The Super Eagles then travel to play Namibia a week later in another match on the road to Brazil 2014.

His absence is a blow for Nigeria who are only top of Group F on goal difference, ahead of Malawi in the race to reach next year's World Cup.

Emenike refused to be drawn on his international future with the African champions after his recent criticisms of national coach Stephen Keshi.

"I'm only looking ahead to the road to recovery. It's very important to stay healthy for a club that stood by me," he said.

"There is no point talking about other distractions, the weeks ahead will be very important for me and I want to focus on getting better.

Reports in the Nigerian media suggest that Everton striker Victor Anichebe will be handed a late recall by Keshi, as a replacement for Emenike.