Sevilla forward Chidera Ejuke was forced off the pitch after just 19 minutes in their La Liga clash against Girona on Saturday, raising concerns over a possible muscle injury.
The 26-year-old Nigerian international was named in Sevilla’s starting line-up for the third matchday of the Spanish top flight but lasted less than half of the opening period.
Ejuke signalled discomfort shortly after kick-off, prompting head coach Quique Sánchez Flores to replace him with Juanlu Sánchez.
While the exact extent of his injury remains unclear, initial assessments suggest the forward could be dealing with a muscle problem.
The club is awaiting the results of medical examinations to determine the severity of the issue and how long Ejuke may be sidelined.
If the diagnosis confirms a muscular strain, Sevilla could face several weeks without one of their key attacking options.
The development comes as a significant setback for Ejuke, who had been working to regain consistency after a frustrating 2024-25 campaign disrupted by fitness concerns.
Last season, the Nigerian winger managed only nine starts across 25 La Liga appearances, with recurring injuries limiting his impact. Despite flashes of his trademark pace and dribbling ability, his lack of rhythm saw him struggle to cement a starting role.
Ejuke’s latest setback adds to Sevilla’s growing challenges in an already competitive La Liga season. The Andalusian side has endured a mixed start, and losing Ejuke’s attacking depth could hinder their plans to climb the table.
Supporters and coaching staff will now wait anxiously for an update, with hopes that the forward’s injury is not as severe as feared. Sevilla are expected to release a statement following medical tests early next week, providing clarity on the winger’s recovery timeline.
For Ejuke, this incident marks yet another hurdle in his bid to re-establish himself as a consistent performer in Spain’s top flight.
The former CSKA Moscow and Hertha Berlin player joined Sevilla with high expectations, but his time in Andalusia has been blighted by recurring fitness struggles.
The Super Eagles international will also be hoping this injury does not jeopardise his chances of a recall to Nigeria’s squad ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures later this year.
His absence from recent international selections has been attributed in part to his inconsistent club form and ongoing injury troubles.
Sevilla, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, with Flores likely to turn to Juanlu Sánchez and other attacking options to cover Ejuke’s potential absence.
The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether Ejuke faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines or a swift return to action.
