Add 'Valencia Coach Says Sadiq Likely to Face Mallorca Despite Illness'

Valencia-Coach-Says-Sadiq-Likely-to-Face-Mallorca-Despite-Illness.md

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+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.
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+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.
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+"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.
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+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.
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+[Corberán](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/interviews/is-ahmed-musas-unity-cup-call-up-a-game-changer-for-super-eagles/) 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."
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+Editorial
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+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](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/local-clubs-and-academies/) absence, even due to illness, raises eyebrows.
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+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.
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+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  of care and competitiveness is what will keep Valencia moving in the right direction.
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+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.
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+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?<br>
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+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.<br>[bet9ja.com](https://register.bet9ja.com/?btag=yohaig&promocode=yohaig)
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+His [standout season](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/nigerian-premier-league/npfl-plans-colourful-trophy-presentation-for-remo-stars/) came in 2021/22 with Almería, where he scored 18 goals to help the club secure promotion to LaLiga.<br>[bit.ly](https://bit.ly/Bet9jaPromotionCodeYOHAIG)
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+Sadiq represented Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, scoring twice and helping the team reach the quarterfinals.<br>[bet9ja.com](https://register.bet9ja.com/?btag=yohaig&promocode=yohaig)
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+He has a degree in accountancy and once stated he considered leaving football for academics before breaking through in Europe.<br>[bet9ja.com](https://landing.bet9ja.com/aviator-bet9ja?btag=yohaig&promocode=yohaig)
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+Valencia last won La Liga in 2004, during a golden era under Rafael Benítez.<br>