Sevilla have received a timely boost ahead of their La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao, with confirmation that Nigerian striker Akor Adams has been successfully registered for the encounter, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Andalusian side were reportedly set to travel to San Mamés on Sunday evening with limited squad options after only managing to register 15 players with La Liga earlier in the week. That situation had cast doubt on the involvement of both Akor Adams and compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho.
However, fresh reports confirm that Adams has been cleared to feature and is in contention to spearhead Sevilla’s attack.
The 25-year-old forward, who arrived from Montpellier in January, endured an injury-troubled second half of last season but has looked sharp throughout pre-season under manager Matías Almeyda.
Images released by the club also showed Adams travelling with the squad alongside winger Chidera Ejuke, Sevilla’s other Nigerian representative.
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Adams’ availability comes as a major relief for Almeyda, who has had to cope with registration restrictions that left him working with a severely reduced group of players.
Sevilla eventually managed to name 22 players for the trip to Bilbao, with Iheanacho notably absent.
Iheanacho’s omission is the latest setback in what has been a stop-start spell at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
Signed as a free agent last summer, the Super Eagles striker found minutes hard to come by and was loaned out to Middlesbrough in January. He returned to Spain for pre-season, where he was given opportunities to impress, but once again appears surplus to requirements.
The 28-year-old now looks increasingly likely to move on, with reports linking him with clubs in Turkey and England. Samsunspor and Besiktas are among those thought to be leading the chase, while Championship sides are also monitoring his situation.
For now, Sevilla’s focus is firmly on their opening fixture. With Adams back in the fold and Ejuke fit, Almeyda will hope the Nigerian duo can provide the spark needed against an Athletic side renowned for their intensity at home.
Kick-off at San Mamés is scheduled for 6:30pm local time.
