Bursaspor boss expects Iheanacho to recover quickly after injury scare

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er says Kelechi Iheanacho’s early withdrawal in Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Keciorengucu was a precautionary measure rather than a serious injury setback.

The Nigeria striker was treated by Bursaspor’s medical staff before being replaced in the 69th minute, prompting concern among supporters of the Turkish 1. Lig leaders.

Iheanacho had put Bursaspor 3-2 ahead five minutes after half-time, extending his scoring sequence to 12 successive league matches. Er said the decision to remove him was made to avoid unnecessary risk.

“Kelechi has a little problem. We did not want to push too hard,” Er told Turkish outlet Bursahakimiyet. “He wanted to continue but we did not want to risk it. We were already ahead 4-2, and we had the score.”

The 30-year-old collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, moved into space and finished to register his 16th goal of the season. He has also provided 3 assists in 12 appearances.

Bursaspor added a fourth goal through Brazilian midfielder Lincoln, who had earlier supplied an assist, while Lewis Baker was also on the scoresheet. Lincoln was sent off in the 84th minute after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

The result was Bursaspor’s third consecutive win and their fourth victory in five matches. It moved the club to the top of the 1. Lig with 28 points from 12 games, above Kayserispor.

Bursaspor will host Bandirmaspor on Saturday, and Er is confident Iheanacho will be fit to feature.

The forward’s condition will also be monitored by the Super Eagles coaching crew, with Iheanacho expected to be included in Nigeria’s squad for next month’s double header against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Iheanacho recently returned to the Super Eagles for a friendly against Russia, which finished 3-3. He scored to give Eric Chelle’s side a 1-0 lead in that match.

The former Manchester City and Leicester forward’s latest goal maintains his outstanding run since joining Bursaspor, although his departure against Keciorengucu briefly raised concerns before Er offered reassurance.