Sevilla secured a 2-0 victory over Espanyol in La Liga on Friday, although Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho was left on the bench for the third consecutive match.
Iheanacho, who joined Sevilla from Leicester City over the summer, has seen limited playing time, with his most recent appearance coming in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao on September 29.
Since his transfer, the 28-year-old forward has made five appearances for Sevilla but has yet to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
The night belonged to Dodi Lukebakio, whose first-half brace sealed Sevilla’s win.
Lukebakio opened the scoring in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed counterattack, and doubled Sevilla’s lead just before the break with a sharp finish that Espanyol’s defense couldn’t contain.
His performance ensured Sevilla collected all three points from the match, keeping them in the chase for European competition spots in La Liga.
The victory provided a boost for Sevilla, which has struggled to find consistency this season.
However, the absence of Iheanacho from the lineup continues to raise questions about his future role within the squad.
Sevilla’s manager has yet to comment on the Nigerian’s status, leaving fans wondering when he might next feature on the pitch.
In related news, Chidera Ejuke, another Nigerian international playing for Sevilla, will be out for three months after suffering a hamstring injury during Sevilla’s recent clash with Barcelona.
Ejuke’s absence will be a blow to Sevilla’s squad depth, particularly as the team navigates a busy schedule in La Liga and European competitions.
Sevilla’s win against Espanyol puts them in a favorable position in the league, but the team will need contributions from all players, including Iheanacho, if they are to build on this momentum and achieve their season objectives.
