Create a file with a combo or listbox using a source range containing some arbitrary strings and an arbitrary target cell.

Select an item in teh combo or listbox. Note that the target cell shows that item.

Save, Quit. Restart Gnumeric, Open the above file.

While the target cell shows the correct string it is not shown or selected in the combo/listbox.

Note that print preview shows the the selected item in the combo or list so the sheet object knows the correct item but it is not shown in the widget.