Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán has expressed optimism that Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq will be available for their LaLiga clash with Real Mallorca on Sunday, despite a recent viral infection.
Sadiq, who returned from international duty on Thursday, missed Friday’s training session due to a fever. However, Corberán confirmed the 28 year old was at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva facilities and is expected to rejoin the squad for Saturday’s final session before the match.
“Sadiq was working and getting back into the swing of things yesterday, but he couldn’t train today due to a fever. He should train tomorrow,” Corberán said via the club’s official website.
Since joining Valencia from Real Sociedad in January, Sadiq has scored four goals in just eight league appearances, including a stunning backheel goal that earned him LaLiga’s Goal of the Month award for March.
Corberán also praised Sadiq’s impact on the team, saying, “I feel fortunate to have him on the team. Just as I feel fortunate to have the broad group I have at my disposal.”
Editorial
Carlos Corberán’s measured optimism over Umar Sadiq’s fitness is exactly the kind of leadership Valencia needs right now. In a season marked by highs and lows, Sadiq has emerged as a beacon of consistency and brilliance and it’s no surprise that his potential absence, even due to illness, raises eyebrows.
The Nigerian has blended seamlessly into the Valencia attack since arriving from Real Sociedad. Four goals in eight matches, capped by a backheel wonder goal, have not only boosted Valencia’s campaign but reasserted Sadiq’s reputation as one of the most underrated forwards in Europe.
What’s commendable is Corberán’s transparency. He’s not rushing the player, nor downplaying the importance of fitness even for a game they’ll be expected to win. That balance of care and competitiveness is what will keep Valencia moving in the right direction.
And for Nigerian fans, the bigger picture remains bright. Sadiq’s return to form is timely, especially with international tournaments and qualifiers on the horizon. He’s a player in rhythm, trusted by his manager, and enjoying his football.
Provided he shakes off the fever in time, Sunday’s match offers him another stage to remind us why he’s so crucial not just for Valencia, but for Nigerian football.
Did You Know?
- Umar Sadiq began his senior career in Europe with Spezia in Italy before moving to Roma, where he made his Serie A debut in 2015.
- His standout season came in 2021/22 with Almería, where he scored 18 goals to help the club secure promotion to LaLiga.
- Sadiq represented Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, scoring twice and helping the team reach the quarterfinals.
- He has a degree in accountancy and once stated he considered leaving football for academics before breaking through in Europe.
- Valencia last won LaLiga in 2004, during a golden era under Rafael Benítez.
