Sevilla Boost as Nyland, Marcao and Kike Salas Return to Training Ahead of Madrid Trip
Almeyda's squad receives timely reinforcements as three key players rejoin training before Sevilla's challenging final fixture of the year at the Bernabéu.
Sevilla Boost as Nyland, Marcao and Kike Salas Return to Training Ahead of Madrid Trip
Matías Almeyda’s Sevilla have received some much-needed good news on the injury front as they prepare for their daunting final fixture of the year at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Injury Updates
The Sevilla boss will be chuffed to bits after seeing goalkeeper Nyland, central defender Marcao, and the promising young centre-back Kike Salas all return to full training with the squad. The trio completed Thursday morning’s session alongside their teammates before the squad heads to the Spanish capital later today.
Tanguy Nianzou also made positive progress in his recovery, participating in partial training with the group – a step in the right direction for the French defender who’s been on the treatment table.
Rubén Vargas continues his rehabilitation work with the club’s recovery specialists, though there’s still no firm date for the Swiss winger’s return to action. He was spotted doing some light work on the pitch as part of his ongoing recovery programme.
Selection Headaches
Almeyda confirmed in his press conference that some of the returning players will make the squad for Friday night’s clash, which kicks off at 9pm local time. However, the gaffer’s options remain limited with several players still in the doctor’s office.
To make matters worse, Sevilla will be without two key performers from their last league outing against Oviedo:
- Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams have both departed to join up with Nigeria ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations
The absence of these two influential players comes at a particularly poor time, given they both played important roles in Sevilla’s most recent La Liga fixture.
Tough Test Awaits
The injury problems couldn’t have come at a worse time for Sevilla as they face what locals might call a proper ‘trip to the barbers’ – no easy task against the mighty Madrid. Almeyda will be hoping his returning players can make an immediate impact as they look to spring a surprise at the home of the champions.
The Argentine tactician will need all hands on deck if they’re to get anything from this fixture, though the returning defensive reinforcements could prove crucial in their game plan.