'He is important' - What Real Sociedad's manager told Nigerian journalist, Omar Akatugba about Umar Sadiq

Real Sociedad’s manager, Imanol Alguacil says Umar Sadiq remains an important player for the team as he battles his way back to the team after a lengthy injury.

Speaking ahead of the Champions League home again against Benfica, Alguacil said the injury to its record signing is complicated for the forward.

He was responding to a question posed by Nigerian journalist, Oma Akatugba.

"It is the most complicated thing for a player after such a major injury and so much time out of competition. For a player like Sadiq, it is true we signed him. He was in a great moment and doing a great season in the second division."

"Now he is in a Real Sociedad team that is fighting to be in the Champions League and wants to continue fighting to be in the Champions League next year," he said.

"He is important, however, I think that Umar's work is good today everyday and it is what will bring him closer to being able to compete at a level higher than what he demonstrated in Almeria and will be able to help us."

Sadiq ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the early part of last season and only returned to training towards the end of the campaign.

The striker was last on target for Real Sociedad in the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on September 3, 2022.

The 26-year-old has made nine league appearances for Real Sociedad this season.

He has recorded just one assist in the current campaign.

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