Sadiq Umar’s return to Real Sociedad training on Tuesday after an eight-month absence due to a cruciate ligament injury in September 2022 sparked a jubilant atmosphere in San Sebastián, Basque Country.
According to the club, Tuesday’s training is a decisive step for him to return to the pitch sooner rather than later but enough to keep him making steps in his recovery. We don’t want to take risks, as he goes very carefully with his return to competition. The workload with the group will gradually increase. However, it was a first step, and essential for his morale because it is not the same to train alone than to be able to do it within the group dynamics.
Sadiq joined the Reale Arena outfit last summer in a deal worth €26m plus-add-ons and a 15 per cent sell-on clause until the 2027/28 season, having helped Almeria secure promotion to the Spanish topflight, where he registered 18 goals and nine assists in 38 appearances.
The 26-year-old started the season in fine form, scoring three goals in five matches before suffering the injury.
The club posted a video of Sadiq joining up with his teammates in training and being welcomed with a guard of honour, after which he proceeded to the full training session.
“What a joy to see you back with the group, Sadiq,” the club wrote on their official Twitter handle.
The Nigerian is in line to play his first game against Barcelona.
