Real Sociedad have named Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq in their squad for the Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Osasuna on Wednesday, despite the player being ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury.
Sadiq, who joined Sociedad from Almeria in August 2023, was initially part of Nigeria’s squad for the continental tournament in Ivory Coast, but withdrew after sustaining an injury in a friendly match against Guinea on January 8.
The 25-year-old was expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which also clarified the controversy surrounding his injury in a statement on Tuesday.
However, Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil surprised many by including Sadiq in his 20-man squad for the cup tie at El Sadar Stadium, raising doubts over the severity of his injury and his availability for the Super Eagles.
Sadiq has scored two goals in 22 appearances for Sociedad this season, as Basque club sit on sixth position in the La Liga and are in the second round of the Uefa Champions League where they face Paris Saint-Germain.
It remains to be seen whether he will feature against Osasuna.