Belgian-Congolese midfielder Sambi Lokonga ruled out of Sevilla’s trip to Osasuna
Albert Sambi Lokonga has been ruled out of Sevilla’s upcoming La Liga fixture against Osasuna after sustaining a hamstring injury, dealing a significant setback to the Andalusian club’s fight to avoid relegation.
The Belgian-Congolese midfielder, who is on loan from Arsenal, was confirmed absent from Tuesday’s training session and will not travel with the squad to Pamplona for the Matchday 33 clash at El Sadar Stadium.
Sevilla officially announced that Lokonga has been diagnosed with a myotendinous injury to the hamstring of his right leg, an issue that will sideline him for the key midweek encounter.
The news comes as a blow to manager Joaquín Caparrós, who has come to rely heavily on the 24-year-old since his arrival last summer. Lokonga has featured in 20 league matches this season, gradually cementing his place as a central figure in the team’s midfield.
His composure, range of passing, and work rate have been integral in Sevilla’s recent performances, particularly as the club battles to secure safety in Spain’s top flight.
With just six league fixtures remaining, Sevilla’s margin for error has narrowed significantly. The absence of Lokonga, one of the side’s most consistent performers in recent weeks, could not come at a more inopportune time.
His injury forces a reshuffle in midfield as Caparrós looks to maintain momentum heading into a critical stage of the campaign.
The team will hold their final training session on Wednesday morning before flying to northern Spain later in the day. A challenging task awaits them in Pamplona, where Osasuna have proven resilient opponents on home turf.
Known for their physical style and well-organised defence, the hosts have made El Sadar a difficult venue for visiting teams this season.
Sevilla will now be forced to rely on alternate midfield options in Lokonga’s absence. While the squad possesses depth, the Belgian-Congolese player’s unique blend of defensive discipline and forward drive will be difficult to replicate.
Caparrós may look to utilise a more conservative midfield pairing or place added responsibility on veterans to steer the side through a potentially season-defining contest.
Lokonga’s loan spell in Andalusia has been one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a turbulent campaign for Sevilla.
His performances have drawn praise from supporters and pundits alike, and his temporary stay from Arsenal has sparked speculation about a possible permanent transfer.
For now, however, the immediate concern remains his recovery timeline and whether he will be fit to return before the final run-in.
The club has not issued a specific estimate on how long the midfielder is expected to be sidelined, but with a myotendinous injury, a short-term absence remains the optimistic scenario. Medical staff will continue to monitor his condition in the days ahead.
As Sevilla prepare for Thursday’s pivotal match, the focus shifts to adapting without one of their key midfield anchors. For a side desperately seeking results, Lokonga’s absence looms large.
