Manager of Spanish La Liga outfit Sevilla, Xavier Garcia Pimienta, has explained his decision not to field Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho in their league game against Osasuna.

Iheanacho was benched for the entire 90 minutes as Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Monday, December 2.

Croatian international Ante Budimir gave the away side the lead in the 69th minute before Sevilla equalized three minutes later courtesy of Belgian international Dodi Lukebakio.

In a post-match reaction, Pimienta stated that Iheanacho was supposed to come on, but the injury to Sambi Lokonga forced him to bring on Lucien Agoumé instead.

“I would have liked to have everyone available. I would have brought on more players if I could have. Kelechi couldn’t come on because of Lokonga’s discomfort, and Agoumé had to do so,” Pimienta said after the game.

“Saúl is a very experienced player. He came to help and contribute important things. He has had a very good recovery process and played a good game in a situation that was not easy.”

Iheanacho joined the Rojiblancos as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Leicester City in the summer.