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By: Abiodun Adewale.
Real Sociedad striker Umar Sadiq is eager to return to action in the upcoming season as he begins his early preseason training at the Estadio Reale Arena, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
In a video shared by the club, Sadiq resumed personal sessions with the club’s rehabilitator Iñigo Almandoz and had ball contact during the session.
The Nigerian was on the treatment table for most parts of last season, following an anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained during a LaLiga clash against Getafe last September.
The 26-year-old had a great start to his career at Real Sociedad, scoring two goals in his first three games, including a crucial goal against Atletico Madrid, on his debut.
He rejoined the team before the end of last season but didn’t reach full recovery.
Sadiq cut short his holidays to resume for preseason earlier than his teammates, and expressed his excitement about rejoining the first-team training ahead of next season.
“I only visited my hometown during the break because I needed to resume earlier than the rest of the team. It’s a holiday, but not for me because I have to prepare myself to be ready for next season. Not an easy one, but it helps me a lot to grow as a player and I have learned a lot mentally about preparing for a new season,” Sadiq said.
“It’s a great feeling to have resumed training with the team before the end of last season and I felt really welcomed again. As you can see, I am more ready than ever. I can’t wait, just waiting for the time. I am ready to give 100% again. Finally, physically, I am okay and I just need to be fit for the games.
“I will say thank you to my teammates for always being there.”
Sadiq, who joined Real Sociedad from Almeria for a fee of €20m with another potential €5m in add-ons last summer, will hope to make an impression at the Basque club this season as they begin their 2023/23 LaLiga campaign against Girona at home August 13.
Before then they will be involved in friendlies against Atletico Madrid and Rea Betis on August 3 and 6.