'Not 100% fit and has been ill' - Club Brugge coach explains Onyedika's absence v Standard Liege 

Club Brugge coach Nicky Hayen has clarified why Raphael Onyedika was left out of Club Brugge's matchday squad against Standard Liege on Sunday, corresponding to the second round of matches in the Jupiler Pro League.

The Nigeria international is strongly linked with a departure from the Belgian champions before the close of the summer transfer window, with teams in England and Saudi Arabia reportedly interested in his services.

Onyedika's omission from the traveling squad to Liège fueled speculation that the midfielder was about to be sold. 

But Hayen has set the record straight, saying that the Nigerian was not in the squad due to a combination of fitness issues and illness. 

Speaking just before kickoff at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Hayen told reporters: "Onyedika was not 100% fit and has been ill. For me, Jashari is his logical replacement.

"We want to play everyone in their best position, hence the choice for Siquet. With Nielsen I expect a lot of intensity.”

Onyedika impressed at the back end of last season, netting three goals in nine matches in the playoffs and also played a key role as Club Brugge qualified for the semifinals of the UEFA Conference League.

On the international stage, he scored his first goal in Nigeria colours in a 2-1 loss to Benin's Cheetahs on matchday four of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 

The FC Ebedei product, who started Club Brugge's first league game of the season versus KV Mechelen, has a contract until June 30, 2027.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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