Super Eagles watch: Real reason Valencia dropped Umar Sadiq from England pre-season tour

Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq has been left out of Valencia’s pre-season tour of England because of injury, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigeria international did not travel with Carlos Corberán’s squad, even as he remains a key part of their plans ahead of the new La Liga campaign.

The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during Valencia’s pre-season friendly against Castellón. Medical examinations later confirmed a minor muscle tear, forcing the club to make a late decision to keep him in Spain instead of taking him to the United Kingdom.

Rather than joining his teammates, Sadiq remained at Valencia’s Paterna training ground, where he has started a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.

The injury is not believed to be serious, but Valencia have chosen not to take any risks as they prepare for the start of the new La Liga season.

Current medical estimates suggest the former Almería striker should return to full training in around 10 days, with his comeback expected by approximately August 6, provided there are no setbacks during rehabilitation.

That timeline means Sadiq is still expected to be available for Valencia’s opening LaLiga fixture against RC Celta de Vigo at the Mestalla, giving both the club and player confidence that the injury will not affect the start of the competitive season.

Valencia continue England preparations as Sadiq eyes comeback

While Sadiq continues his recovery in Spain, Valencia have pressed on with their final pre-season schedule under head coach Carlos Corberán.

The Spanish club faced Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium, a game that ended 1-1, as part of their training camp in England before returning home for the traditional Trofeu Taronja.

Valencia will then host Newcastle United at the Mestalla on August 8 in the 54th edition of the annual pre-season tournament, a fixture that could provide Sadiq with valuable minutes if he completes his recovery on schedule.

Umar Sadiq and Super Eagles

Away from club football, Sadiq’s future with the Super Eagles has become another major talking point.

The striker has not played for Nigeria since November 2024 despite finishing last season strongly in La Liga. Although he was included in the squad for the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, he did not play a single minute. Since then, he has also been left out of Eric Chelle’s squads for the Unity Cup and international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Speaking to Radio France Internationale Hausa, Sadiq admitted he is considering retiring from international football after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The forward explained that he is assessing his long-term career plans and physical condition before making a final decision once the new club season begins.

Despite his absence from recent Super Eagles squads, Sadiq insisted there is no disagreement with Chelle or the coaching staff. Instead, he believes the national team currently has several attacking options, and his style may simply not fit the manager’s tactical plans.

In the meantime, Valencia’s immediate priority is getting the Nigerian striker back to full fitness, while Nigerian fans will be watching closely to see whether he returns strongly in La Liga and eventually earns another opportunity with the Super Eagles.