Chidera Ejuke’s Injury Adds to Sevilla’s Growing Concerns
Sevilla’s Nigerian winger, Chidera Ejuke, suffered a suspected muscle strain during their 2-0 La Liga victory over Girona, adding to the club’s burgeoning injury list. Ejuke’s premature exit after just 18 minutes marked his second start of the season and cast a shadow over Sevilla’s first league win. This latest setback compounds the team’s injury woes, with fellow Nigerian forward Akor Adams already sidelined due to a muscle problem, alongside six other first-team players. The growing list of sidelined players includes Rubén Vargas (hip), Djibril Sow (muscle), Adnan Januzaj (hamstring), Tanguy Nianzou (thigh), and Joan Jordán (back), posing a significant challenge for head coach Matías Almeyda. Ejuke’s injury is particularly concerning given his history of fitness issues, which hampered his progress last season and kept him out of several pre-season matches.
The 27-year-old winger’s early departure in the Girona match, although disappointing, didn’t prevent Sevilla from securing a convincing victory at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. Goals from Alfon González and Isaac Romero, both assisted by Rubén Vargas, ensured Sevilla’s first three points of the season after consecutive defeats. The win provides a much-needed boost for the team’s morale but the extent of Ejuke’s injury remains a significant worry. The club is yet to release an official statement regarding the severity of the injury and the expected recovery time.
Ejuke’s injury history adds another layer of complexity to the situation. He missed a substantial portion of the previous season due to a long-term injury and also sat out pre-season games, including matches against Marseille and the Antonio Puerta Trophy, because of a thigh issue. He had featured in Sevilla’s opening day loss to Athletic Club and started against Getafe the following week, where he played for 67 minutes before being substituted. This latest setback raises concerns about his ability to maintain consistent match fitness and contribute effectively to the team throughout the season.
The timing of Ejuke’s injury is particularly unfortunate for Sevilla, as the transfer window closed on Monday evening, limiting their options to reinforce their attacking ranks. While the club managed to secure the signing of Alexis Sánchez on a free transfer from Udinese and sold Dodi Lukébakio to Benfica for €30m on deadline day, Ejuke’s injury leaves them with fewer options in the wide attacking positions. Manager Matías Almeyda will be hoping that the injury is not serious and that Ejuke can return to action quickly.
The former CSKA Moscow player’s career at Sevilla has been plagued by injury setbacks, disrupting his efforts to establish himself as a key player in the squad. His absence will further test Sevilla’s squad depth, especially considering the number of players already on the injury list. The club’s medical team will be working diligently to assess the extent of Ejuke’s injury and develop a rehabilitation plan to facilitate his swift return.
As Sevilla navigates the early stages of the season, managing the growing injury list will be a crucial task for the coaching staff. Balancing the need to field a competitive team with the importance of player welfare will be paramount. The club will be hoping for positive news regarding Ejuke’s recovery, as his presence on the pitch adds depth and creativity to their attacking options. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the full impact of Ejuke’s injury on Sevilla’s season.
