Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar says he hopes to get better with every game as he continues his return to full fitness following a lengthy spell on the sideline, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The striker returned to action in August in a La Liga game between Real Sociedad and Girona after 11 months of injury layoff.
Umar suffered a cruciate ligament injury in September 2022 and was taken off the field during a La Liga clash against Getafe
The 26-year-old later underwent surgery and was forced to miss the remainder of the season.
The Nigeria international started the 2022/23 season in fine form, scoring three goals in five matches with a debut goal for the Txuri-Urdinak against Atletico Madrid, before suffering the injury.
After eight months out, the former Almeria striker returned to training in May but could not feature in what was left of the season while also out on his team’s tour to the United States.
After making his return in the 2023/24 season against Girona, Umar had gone 11 straight games in the league without scoring a game before netting a stunner in Real Sociedad’s 2-1 over Sevilla on matchday 12.
Umar was again on target on Saturday as the Txuri-Urdin were held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna.
Speaking on his recovery and form, the Nigerian said he hoped to get better with each game.
“I feel good, I think I’m getting better step by step because last season I was out. The more I play, the more I get better,” he said.
The striker also expressed disappointment following his side’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna.
The result leaves Sociedad sixth on the log despite their fine start to the season.
“It was not an easy game. We created a lot of opportunities, unfortunately. But we all know we deserved the three points,” Umar said.
“To play in this kind of stadium, against this kind of team is very hard. But I’m proud of the team because we fought hard and created a lot of chances, but it was not our day. Nonetheless, we keep going.”
Having found the back of the net in two consecutive La Liga games, Umar will hope to continue his fine form when Sociedad travel to Estadio de la Cerámica to face Villarreal on matchday 14 of the season.
