Bursaspor expect Kelechi Iheanacho to recover after precautionary substitution

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er says Kelechi Iheanacho’s early withdrawal in Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Keciorengucu was precautionary and expects the Nigerian forward to be fit for Saturday’s match against Bandirmaspor.

Iheanacho was replaced in the 69th minute after receiving treatment from Bursaspor’s medical staff, prompting concern among supporters of the Turkish 1. Lig leaders.

The 30-year-old had scored his side’s third goal six minutes after half-time, extending his scoring sequence to 12 consecutive league matches. He collected the ball just outside the penalty area, moved into space and finished to put Bursaspor 3-2 ahead.

That goal took Iheanacho’s tally for the season to 16 goals and three assists in 12 appearances.

“Kelechi has a little problem. We did not want to push too hard,” Er told Turkish outlet Bursahakimiyet. “He wanted to continue but we did not want to risk it. We were already ahead 4-2, and we had the score.”

Bursaspor completed the victory with a fourth goal from Brazilian midfielder Lincoln, who also supplied an assist. Lincoln was sent off in the 84th minute after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

The result was Bursaspor’s third successive win and their fourth victory in five matches. They moved to the top of the 1. Lig with 28 points from 12 games, ahead of Kayserispor.

Er remains confident Iheanacho will be available when Bursaspor host Bandirmaspor on Saturday.

The striker’s condition will also be monitored by the Super Eagles coaching staff ahead of Nigeria’s expected squad selection for next month’s double header against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Iheanacho recently returned to the Super Eagles in a friendly against Russia, which ended 3-3. He scored to put Eric Chelle’s side 1-0 in front.

The former Manchester City and Leicester forward’s latest form has helped Bursaspor establish themselves at the top of the second tier, while his potential availability for Nigeria will be watched closely before the national team’s fixtures against Tanzania.