Early birds: Vargas, Nianzou and Marcao jump the gun on Sevilla's return to training
Three Sevilla players have reported back to training a day early, with Marcao facing a lengthy suspension that could keep him sidelined until February.
While most of the Sevilla squad enjoy their final day off, three players have already returned to the training ground, eager to get a head start as the Andalusian side prepare for their first fixture of 2026.
Early returners
Rubén Vargas and Nianzou Tanguy were spotted at Sevilla’s training complex this morning, both looking to accelerate their recovery from injuries that kept them out of action at the tail end of 2025.
The Swiss international Vargas could be one to watch in the upcoming January transfer window, with whispers around Nervión suggesting he might be on his way out. Proper bread and honey situation that one - Sevilla’s brass may be tempted to cash in if the right offer lands on their desk.
Marcao’s early return has a different motivation altogether. The Brazilian defender saw red in Sevilla’s final match of the year at the Santiago Bernabéu and now faces a whopping six-match suspension:
- 1 match for the double yellow
- 4 matches for “insults, verbal offences and injurious attitudes towards the referee”
- 1 additional match for “conduct contrary to good sporting order”
Appeal in the works
The club will appeal the harsh punishment, but if unsuccessful, Marcao won’t be back in action until mid-February - a proper kick in the teeth for manager Matías Almeyda, who’s shown considerable faith in the Brazilian since taking the reins.
Defensive headache
Almeyda now faces yet another defensive reshuffle, with his backline lacking continuity all season due to suspensions and injuries. This could open the door for academy product Kike Salas to stake his claim for a regular spot in the starting eleven.
Sevilla’s first competitive fixture of 2026 will see them host Levante at the Sánchez-Pizjuán on Sunday, January 4th, with kickoff scheduled for 14:00 local time.