Real Sociedad have been poor in the La Liga this season, winning just one of nine league games, while Sevilla have won four…
Super Eagles and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar is unlikely to feature in his side’s league clash against Sevilla tomorrow, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old spent the final five months of last season on loan at Valencia, scoring five goals in 16 league games as Carlos Corberan’s side overturned a season of abyss to finish 12th.
While Valencia were willing to keep him, they didn’t want to pay his buy-out clause, meaning he ended up at Real Sociedad for another season – a situation the club and the player didn’t want.
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Sadiq has played just fourteen minutes of football this season and has struggled with fitness issues. While he’s back in the squad, Sociedad boss Sergio Francisco has revealed the former Rangers striker might be available for tomorrow’s game against Sevilla.
“We had to make a call, we had to choose what we felt or what the plan was going to be,” the 46-year-old said in quotes revealed by Eldes Marque.
“Karrika [Jon Karrikaburu] came out and did his best 15 minutes, but they’re both training really well.
“What I asked both of them was to be available and prepared. The party is going to mark the election. Both are available. Karri has taken that step forward so we can count on him more.”
Francisco respects Sevilla
Sevilla did the unthinkable a few weeks back by securing a 4-1 victory over League Champions Barcelona, and Francisco is aware of the threat they pose.
“They’re a very good team. They like the exchange of blows. Play direct, second play, defend well, attack spaces with fast people.
“They’re complete, aggressive in the duels. It will be difficult, but we are prepared for it, taking care of all the details.
“Beyond Sevilla, we have to have that determination at home, be aggressive, look for the match. We want to win it,” the Spanish gaffer concluded.
Should Sadiq Umar feature tomorrow, the game has a possibility of featuring three Nigerians, as Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams will be on the Sevilla team.