October 20,2024 Ejuke 21 of Sevilla FC left vies with Jules Kounde 23 of FC Barcelona during the match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC corresponding to the tenth day of La Liga EA Sports at Olimpic Stadium Lluis Companys of Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by IMAGO
Nigerian playmaker Chidera Ejuke, whose flair has made him a fan favourite at Sevilla, is edging closer to a long-awaited La Liga return from the sidelines, Soccernet.ng reports.
Injured during Sevilla’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Barcelona on October 21, the dynamic winger has spent 67 days recovering from a hamstring injury.
However, all signs now point to a January comeback, offering a crucial boost to García Pimienta’s side.
Ejuke, who opted for conservative treatment over surgery, has been steadily progressing. He resumed ball work on December 7, sparking hopes of a return to action soon.
The 27-year-old winger’s recovery timeline suggests he could rejoin training by mid-January, with an eye on featuring in Sevilla’s away match against Girona on January 19.
Manager García Pimienta has hinted at Ejuke’s imminent return, stating: “Ejuke could be training with us in mid-January and, if all goes well, he would participate in official matches towards the end of January or beginning of February.”
Sevilla’s erratic form has seen them slip behind in their objectives, and Ejuke’s return comes as a timely reinforcement.
Before his injury, Ejuke dazzled with his pace, technique, and ability to link play on the left flank, recording one goal and several standout performances in nine matches.
The Super Eagles winger, who joined after a spell at Antwerp, was named Sevilla’s Player of the Month for September.
In October, he was rated ahead of Barcelona Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Vinicius and Mbappe as the top dribbler in Europe’s major leagues.
Since his absence, no Sevilla player has fully claimed the left-wing role, with interim solutions like Idumbo, Lukébakio, and even Iheanacho struggling to replicate his impact.
Pimienta will hope that Ejuke’s return restores balance and creativity to Sevilla’s attack.
The Girona fixture presents a challenging but vital opportunity for Ejuke’s comeback.
The Catalan side boasts an intimidating home record, but even a cameo appearance from the Super Eagles star could galvanize Sevilla’s attacking efforts.
As Pimienta emphasised, Ejuke’s fitness will be carefully managed, but fans can expect the winger to make a phased return.
His recovery represents more than just a personal milestone—it signals hope for a Sevilla side looking to reignite their season.
The Nigerian international’s return could very well be the spark Sevilla needs to turn their fortunes around.
This post was last modified on January 2, 2025 3:23 pm
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