“I don’t rule anyone out”- Sevilla boss Pimienta on Iheanacho’s chances of starting against Valladolid
Sevilla boss Garcia Pimienta has stated that Kelechi Iheanacho is not sure of a starting shirt in their La Liga game against Real Valladolid on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iheanacho joined Sevilla during the summer transfer window, but he has struggled to pin down a starting shirt at the club. The 27-year-old striker has gotten just one start all season. The other three were substitute appearances.
However, it seemed like the former Leicester City man would get more minutes after first-choice striker Isaac Romero sustained an injury in Sevilla’s 2-1 loss at Alaves.
But ahead of Sevilla’s game against Valladolid on Tuesday, coach Pimienta has maintained that Iheanacho may not start as he has other options at his disposal.
“I don’t rule anyone out. Up front we have Isaac, Iheanacho, Lukebakio, Peque… We have solutions in the first team,” Pimienta said.
“Collado will be called up, he hasn’t played with us and I wanted him to play with the reserve team. He played for 45 minutes at an excellent level.”
Since joining, Iheanacho has not produced any big moment. As such, coach Pimienta has not been convinced of his ability to carry the team this season.
To seal his place as a regular starter, the Super Eagles star has to start churning out the numbers for Sevilla.