Aguirregabiria Blow: Zaragoza Right-Back Sidelined Until 2026
Real Zaragoza will be without Martín Aguirregabiria for their crucial clash against Burgos as the defender faces a hamstring layoff that will extend into the new year.
Zaragoza’s Relegation Fight Dealt Another Injury Setback
Just when Rubén Sellés thought his Christmas couldn’t get any more stressful, the Zaragoza gaffer has been handed another injury headache with right-back Martín Aguirregabiria ruled out until 2026.
The defender, who’s become a proper fixture in Sellés’ starting eleven, suffered a hamstring injury during the opening minutes of Zaragoza’s last match against Cádiz. In a moment that had fans reaching for the Christmas sherry early, Aguirregabiria immediately signalled to the bench, knowing his calendar year was done and dusted.
Juan Sebastián Steps Up
With Aguirregabiria heading for the treatment room, Juan Sebastián came off the bench against Cádiz and is now set to take over starting duties for the crucial clash against Burgos this Sunday.
This comes at the worst possible time for basement-dwellers Zaragoza, who are:
- Currently rooted to the bottom of the Segunda División table
- Four points adrift of safety
- Desperate for a win to keep their survival hopes alive
From Outcast to Essential
What makes this injury particularly painful for Los Maños is how Aguirregabiria has transformed under Sellés’ management. After barely getting a look-in under previous coach Gabi, the right-back has grown into one of the team’s most reliable performers.
As my old man would say, he’s gone from being on the Jack Jones to becoming the dog’s dinner in Sellés’ system. His absence leaves a proper hole in the Zaragoza backline at a time when every point is worth its weight in gold.
Francho Serrano Doubt Adds to Concerns
To make matters worse, there’s also uncertainty surrounding midfielder Francho Serrano, who missed last week’s match with knee problems. He’s still training separately from the main group and remains a doubt right up to kickoff.
For a side fighting for its Segunda División life, having two key players potentially missing for the final match of 2025 is about as welcome as a vegetarian at a Christmas turkey dinner.
Sellés will be hoping his squad can pull together one last heroic effort before the year ends, or their 2026 might begin with an even steeper mountain to climb.