Sevilla manager Luis García Plaza has confirmed that Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke was omitted from the starting lineup in the club’s 3-2 comeback win over Villarreal due to fitness concerns, not tactical decisions. The match, played at Estadio de la Cerámica in LaLiga, saw Sevilla stage a dramatic turnaround after falling two goals behind, ultimately securing a crucial victory with goals from Oso, Kike Salas, and Nigerian striker Akor Adams. Despite his absence from the starting XI, Ejuke was named among the substitutes, indicating he remained part of the manager’s plans for the match.
The decision to bench Ejuke surprised many fans, especially after García Plaza had publicly praised the winger’s performances in recent games. However, the coach revealed that Sevilla’s medical team advised caution, citing the player’s current physical condition. “I’ve been told that I should only bring on Ejuke if absolutely necessary,” García Plaza stated before kickoff, as reported by Estadio Deportivo. He emphasized that the team cannot afford to risk injuries during the final stretch of the season, when every point is vital for survival.
García Plaza explained that several players, including Ejuke, were not in full fitness to complete a full 90 minutes. “Maybe they could play for half an hour or 45 minutes, but not for a full 90,” he said. “Right now we can’t risk losing anyone because any muscle injury will rule them out and they won’t play again.” The manager’s comments highlight the club’s cautious approach as they aim to avoid setbacks that could jeopardize their position in the league.
Ejuke had been regaining form and confidence in recent weeks, playing a key role in Sevilla’s fight against relegation. His contributions had helped the team gain momentum, and his absence was noticed by supporters. Nevertheless, his presence on the bench showed that the coaching staff still valued his input, even if he wasn’t deemed fit to start.
The victory over Villarreal extended Sevilla’s winning streak to three matches, moving them further away from the relegation zone with only two games left in the season. The result was a significant boost for the team’s morale and their hopes of avoiding relegation. With key players like Ejuke carefully managed, Sevilla will look to maintain their form in the final fixtures to secure their LaLiga status for next season.
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