Kelechi Iheanacho will be absent when Sevilla take on Birmingham City in their pre-season opener at the Estadio Algarve on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward is yet to join full training at Sevilla this summer due to a bout of gastroenteritis, according to Orgullobiri.
The former Leicester City striker returned to Seville last Sunday after the summer break but has not trained with the squad all week, prompting speculation about his long-term future at the club.
While Sevilla maintain the 29-year-old is simply unwell, local reports say the club is already weighing options to offload him this summer to reduce their wage bill.
Iheanacho, who earns an estimated €4 million annually, has struggled to impress since arriving in Andalusia last year.
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He scored just three goals in the Copa del Rey before being loaned to Middlesbrough, where he registered a single goal and two assists in 15 appearances.
His absence from Saturday’s clash means Nigerian fans may have to settle for a potential face-off between Bright Osayi-Samuel — who recently joined Birmingham City from Fenerbahçe — and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.
From Benue State to Sevilla pic.twitter.com/X6To9LWpLU
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) July 11, 2025
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Adams is set to feature after recovering from an injury that ruled him out for much of the second half of last season, while Ejuke could also get a run-out.
Osayi-Samuel is also in line to make his Birmingham bow having joined the club’s training session in Portugal.
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 10, 2025
With no formal offers yet on the table, Iheanacho’s future remains in limbo.
However, previously interested sides such as Celtic, Leeds United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers could reignite talks if Sevilla open the door to his departure.
For now, all eyes will be on Adams and Ejuke to lead Sevilla’s frontline in Portugal, as Iheanacho’s struggles continue to cast a shadow over what was once a promising move to La Liga.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.