Kelechi Iheanacho set to miss first preseason friendly with Sevilla

By Monsurah Olatunji 

Sevilla’s new signing, Kelechi Iheanacho is set to miss the Nigerian reunion when his team battles Fulham in their preseason friendly.

While Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey will be hoping to link up with their national teammates, Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke, the Seniorman will not be available for the encounter. 

Iheanacho signed a two-year contract to become Sevilla’s newest addition this week following his contract expiration with Leicester City but he won’t be able to play his first preseason game due to administrative complications and fitness concerns.

According to Estadio Deportivo, Sevilla did not receive the necessary paperwork which includes the international transfer and other work-related documents before their training began on August 2.

The 27-year-old was scheduled to workout on Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday during the closed sessions.

However, he was unable to meet his new teammates and start the process of becoming a match-fit, due to an unforeseen circumstance that kept him off the pitch.

“I haven’t played much this summer, but I’ve been working hard with a personal trainer to maintain my fitness,” he said via the club’s website. 

“While I’m not at 100% yet, I’m not far off. I’m hoping to join the team training sessions soon and build the rest of my fitness alongside my teammates.”