imago1052751233

From Barcelona agony to Girona hope: Super Eagles star targets La Liga return

Nigerian playmaker Chidera Ejuke, whose flair has made him a fan favourite at Sevilla, is edging closer to a long-awaited La Liga return from the sidelines, Soccernet.ng reports.

Injured during Sevillaโ€™s heavy 5-1 defeat to Barcelona on October 21, the dynamic winger has spent 67 days recovering from a hamstring injury.

ESP: FC Barcelona, Barca v Sevilla FC. La Liga EA Sports. Date 10 Chidera Ejuke of Sevilla FC injury during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC played at Lluis Companys Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by IMAGO

However, all signs now point to a January comeback, offering a crucial boost to Garcรญa Pimientaโ€™s side.

Get Our Sports News First โ€“ Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Ejuke, who opted for conservative treatment over surgery, has been steadily progressing. He resumed ball work on December 7, sparking hopes of a return to action soon.

The 27-year-old wingerโ€™s recovery timeline suggests he could rejoin training by mid-January, with an eye on featuring in Sevillaโ€™s away match against Girona on January 19.

La Liga: Ejuke vs Barcelona
October 20,2024 Ejuke 21 of Sevilla FC left vies with Jules Kounde 23 of FC Barcelona during the match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC corresponding to the tenth day of La Liga EA Sports at Olimpic Stadium Lluis Companys of Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by IMAGO

Manager Garcรญa Pimienta has hinted at Ejukeโ€™s imminent return, stating: โ€œEjuke could be training with us in mid-January and, if all goes well, he would participate in official matches towards the end of January or beginning of February.โ€

Chidera Ejuke boost for Sevilla

Sevillaโ€™s erratic form has seen them slip behind in their objectives, and Ejukeโ€™s return comes as a timely reinforcement.

La Liga: Ejuke vs Barcelona
ESP: FC Barcelona, Barca v Sevilla FC. La Liga EA Sports. Date 10 Chidera Ejuke of Sevilla FC and Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC played at Lluis Companys Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by IMAGO

Before his injury, Ejuke dazzled with his pace, technique, and ability to link play on the left flank, recording one goal and several standout performances in nine matches.

The Super Eagles winger, who joined after a spell at Antwerp, was named Sevillaโ€™s Player of the Month for September.

In October, he was rated ahead of Barcelona Lamine Yamal and Real Madridโ€™s Vinicius and Mbappe as the top dribbler in Europeโ€™s major leagues.

La Liga: Sevillaโ€™s Ejuke vs Barcelona
October 20, 2024, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain: Chidera EJUKE of Sevilla FC and Lamine YAMAL of Barcelona during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona, Barca and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by IMAGO

Since his absence, no Sevilla player has fully claimed the left-wing role, with interim solutions like Idumbo, Lukรฉbakio, and even Iheanacho struggling to replicate his impact.

Pimienta will hope that Ejukeโ€™s return restores balance and creativity to Sevillaโ€™s attack.

Girona: Chidera Ejukeโ€™s comeback target

The Girona fixture presents a challenging but vital opportunity for Ejukeโ€™s comeback.

The Catalan side boasts an intimidating home record, but even a cameo appearance from the Super Eagles star could galvanize Sevillaโ€™s attacking efforts.

As Pimienta emphasised, Ejukeโ€™s fitness will be carefully managed, but fans can expect the winger to make a phased return.

His recovery represents more than just a personal milestone โ€” it signals hope for a Sevilla side looking to reignite their season.

The Nigerian internationalโ€™s return could very well be the spark Sevilla needs to turn their fortunes around.