Sevilla manager García Pimienta has confirmed that Nigerian forwards Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho will be available for the team’s upcoming La Liga fixture against Villarreal.
The announcement comes as a boost to Sevilla’s attacking options after both players were absent from the club’s 2-2 draw against Las Palmas in their season opener.
Ejuke, formerly of CSKA Moscow, impressed during Sevilla’s preseason preparations but was a surprising omission from the squad that traveled to Las Palmas.
Pimienta has since allayed any concerns about the Nigerian winger’s fitness, indicating that Ejuke is ready to feature against Villarreal.
“Ejuke has trained well, and I expect him to have a role in the upcoming match,” Pimienta stated during a pre-match press conference.
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined Sevilla from Leicester City this summer, was not registered in time to participate in the opening fixture.
However, that issue has been resolved, and the former Manchester City striker is poised to make his La Liga debut at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Friday.
Pimienta expressed excitement about Iheanacho’s impending first appearance, saying, “Kelechi brings experience and quality to our attack.
We are looking forward to seeing him in action.”
Sevilla endured a challenging 2022-2023 La Liga season, finishing in a disappointing 14th place, just eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite the poor domestic campaign, the club achieved success in Europe, winning a record seventh UEFA Europa League title.
This summer, Sevilla underwent significant changes, with several key players, including striker Youssef En-Nesyri and full-back Marcos Acuña, departing for Fenerbahce and River Plate, respectively.
The arrival of Iheanacho and Ejuke is part of the club’s rebuilding process under Pimienta, who took over the managerial reins with the aim of guiding Sevilla back to the upper echelons of Spanish football.
Both players bring international pedigree and are expected to add dynamism and versatility to the squad.
Sevilla fans will be eager to see how Pimienta integrates the new signings into the team as they look to bounce back from last season’s underwhelming league performance.
With Villarreal presenting a formidable challenge, the inclusion of Ejuke and Iheanacho offers fresh attacking options that could help Sevilla secure their first win of the new campaign.
Sevilla will host Villarreal at the iconic Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, with kick-off set for Friday evening.
All eyes will be on the Nigerian duo as they prepare to make their mark on the Spanish top flight, with the club hopeful that the additions will help spark a turnaround in their league fortunes.
