Sevilla's defensive headache deepens as Suazo suffers injury setback
Matías Almeyda faces yet another defensive reshuffle as Gabriel Suazo's muscle injury compounds Sevilla's backline woes ahead of their clash with Levante.
Sevilla’s return from the Christmas break has been marred by another injury blow, leaving Matías Almeyda with fresh defensive puzzles to solve as 2026 approaches.
Suazo setback
Gabriel Suazo has suffered a recurrence of his left soleus injury, the same niggle that kept him out of the Seville derby and several subsequent matches. The Chilean had only just returned to action against Real Madrid in Sevilla’s final match before the festive period, but now finds himself back in the treatment room at the worst possible time.
This latest knock continues what’s been a proper nightmare for Almeyda’s defensive planning. The backline has been in constant flux due to injuries and suspensions, forcing the Argentine gaffer to tinker with both personnel and formation throughout the first half of the campaign.
Five at the back
Almeyda has recently reverted to a five-man defence to shore things up - not his preferred approach by any stretch, but needs must when you’re leaking goals. The academy product Oso stepped in admirably during Suazo’s previous absence and now looks set for another opportunity to impress.
The defensive headaches don’t end with Suazo, though. Marcao’s situation is another spanner in the works, with the Brazilian currently serving a six-match ban following his red card and subsequent verbal altercation with the referee at the Bernabéu. Kike Salas appears the natural replacement, though Castrín and the returning Azpilicueta offer alternative options.
Potential defensive lineup
With these constraints, Sevilla’s defensive unit against Levante could shape up as:
- Juanlu
- Carmona
- Gudelj
- Azpilicueta
- Oso
Gudelj, despite a dodgy start to the La Liga campaign, has found his best form playing as the central defender in a back three. Similarly, Carmona has impressed in the left-sided centre-back role, allowing Juanlu to operate on the right flank.
It’s not all doom and gloom for Almeyda, mind - both Azpilicueta and Nianzou have returned to full training with the group, providing some much-needed options as the manager plots his first starting eleven of 2026.