Nigerian midfielder Ogenekaro Etebo has returned to training after spending two weeks on the sidelines but will not play a part in his Spanish side; UD Las Palmas’ La Liga clash with Real Madrid on Saturday.
The former Fareinse midfielder who has had a good start to his Las Palmas career was injured in his side’s penultimate league game at home to Villarreal and was replaced at half time.
The all rounder then missed Nigeria’s pre-World Cup friendlies against Poland and Serbia in the past eight days but returned to training this week.
Despite his return to training and active participation with the first team on Friday morning, Etebo has been left out of the squad to face the Los Blancos at the Gran Canaria Stadium on Saturday.
Las Palmas manager Paco Jemez has opted not to risk the Olympics bronze medal winner ahead of Madrid’s visit.
Called up among the eighteen players for Saturday’s game is Etebo’s fellow Olympian, Imoh Ezekiel. Former Anderlecht star, Ezekiel will be hoping to make only his third La Liga appearance for the club since joining in January.
The other Nigerian at the club, Emmanuel Emenike is still not fit to feature and will wait longer to make his debut.
UD Las Palmas are currently occupying the last relegation position in the La Liga and are six points from safety with nine matches to end the season.
