‘Kelechi is in a difficult situation’ - Sevilla manager gives update on Iheanacho

The Super Eagles star has struggled to get playing time since joining Sevilla on a free transfer in the summer.

Iheanacho has only managed nine games this season and has failed to register any goal or assist for the Spanish side.

This season, the striker is being linked with a move away from the club that could see him leave this January.

Pimienta disclosed that his decision to leave the forward out of the starting lineup was influenced by fitness issues and a lack of game readiness. 

Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said, "A bit of everything. But also at the time of the match, we were putting the opponent under pressure and we needed people who had minutes.

"Peque came on from the start; Kelechi has only trained this week. After Christmas, he had some discomfort; as he said, in the hamstring, he had not participated and we needed people with minutes.

"It is also true that Kelechi is in a difficult situation at the moment and that is why I preferred another teammate to come on before him."

Garcia has also praised Chidera Ejuke's performance in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium against Espanyol.

He continued, "And I think Ejuke was good. He was involved, he shot from outside. Little by little he will get to his best level. And that's how we're doing.”