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Johnny Edward
Super Eagles striker, Umar Sadiq, is expected to be out of action for the rest of the season after Real Sociedad revealed the striker suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture that will need surgery.
The Nigerian picked up a knee injury in Sociedad’s 2-1 La Liga loss to Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez Stadium on Sunday and was replaced in the 33rd minute.
“Sadiq has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The player will undergo surgical treatment. Further information will be provided in the coming days,” the La Liga outfit confirmed.
After surgery, the injury usually takes between six to nine months to heal, although no clear date has been set for his return.
It is definitely a blow for the club who paid a record €20m with another potential €5m in add-ons to bring the Super Eagle on board from Almeria, following the departure of Sweden forward Alexander Isak.
Sadiq had announced himself to the Sociedad fans in emphatic style last week when he came off the bench to score the equaliser just 10 minutes after his introduction as they held Atletico Madrid to a 1-1 draw.
His absence will also be felt by Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, who would had hoped to have the player available for the September 27 international friendly game against Algeria.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen had already been ruled out of the aforementioned match owing to a thigh injury.
Speaking with PUNCH Sports Extra, Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George, rued Sadiq’s injury but has backed the 25-year-old striker to return better.
“The injury to Sadiq is a sad one, I feel for him. For a player who just joined a new club and to have suffered such injury is so bad.
“Those knee injuries take a longer time to heal properly. I believe he will be back and better. He is based in Europe a lot of players have suffered this kind of injury.”