Almería's Brazilian striker stuck in visa limbo ahead of Andalusian derby
Thalys trapped in Brazil due to bureaucratic issues, leaving Almería without a natural striker for their crucial Granada clash as absences pile up.
Almería’s squad depth faces its biggest test yet as manager Rubi confirms a record number of absences ahead of the Andalusian derby against Granada.
Visa drama keeps striker stranded
In what can only be described as a proper administrative nightmare, Brazilian forward Thalys remains stuck in his homeland due to visa complications following the Christmas break. The striker won’t be able to return to Spain until Monday due to bureaucratic red tape around work permits.
Rubi didn’t mince his words in today’s press conference, revealing: “We knew this problem could arise before he left.”
The Catalan manager suggested there might be a touch of second-division disrespect at play, hinting that top-flight clubs might receive preferential treatment in such situations. Despite the club’s best efforts, Thalys must complete a mandatory period in Brazil before being allowed to return to Spain.
Injury crisis deepens
The Thalys situation compounds an already dire absence list for Almería:
- Chumi (defender)
- Melamed (midfielder)
- Bonini (midfielder)
- André Horta (midfielder)
- Soko (forward) - away at Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon
- Thalys (striker) - visa issues in Brazil
Possible additional absentees include Selvi and Robertone, though their status remains uncertain.
Tactical headache
With both Thalys stranded abroad and Soko representing Cameroon at AFCON, Almería find themselves without a natural centre-forward for the Granada derby. Leo Baptistao looks most likely to be shunted up front, having previously filled in as a makeshift striker.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the club, who are actively searching the January transfer market for a new number nine. This bureaucratic balls-up only highlights their need for reinforcements up top.
What was already a challenging Andalusian derby has now become an even steeper mountain to climb for Rubi’s depleted squad.