Sarabia hints at transfer activity following Fort's shoulder blow
Elche boss addresses January window plans after Héctor Fort's injury setback, with Villarreal test looming as first challenge of 2026
Elche gaffer Eder Sarabia isn’t ruling out dipping into the January sales after losing Héctor Fort to a nasty shoulder injury that’ll keep the defender sidelined for a considerable stretch.
Injury headaches mounting
The franjiverdes are facing a bit of a mare on the fitness front as they prepare to kick off 2026 against Villarreal at the Martínez Valero. Fort’s long-term shoulder problem is the biggest blow, but he’s not the only absentee for Saturday’s clash:
- André Silva won’t be ready in time
- Fede Redondo is suspended
- John faces a late fitness test
Despite these setbacks, Sarabia’s keeping his chin up about his squad’s condition after the brief festive break, insisting they remain “in the same line as how we finished” before the Christmas period.
Transfer talk
With the January window now open, Fort’s injury situation has clearly accelerated Elche’s recruitment plans. Sarabia acknowledged they’ll need reinforcements in that position, though he’s preaching patience rather than panic buying.
The gaffer’s playing it cool regarding potential departures too, expressing confidence in his squad’s commitment while admitting that in football “you never know” what might happen.
Villarreal challenge
Sarabia’s not pulling any punches about Saturday’s opposition, describing Villarreal as “one of the best teams in Europe” despite their December disappointments in both Champions League and Copa del Rey.
He was particularly complimentary about his counterpart in the Villarreal dugout, calling him “one of the best Spanish coaches in history” – proper respect between managers there.
European dreams?
When asked about Elche’s impressive league position and potential European aspirations, Sarabia kept his feet firmly on the terra firma. The boss knows the league table looks a treat right now but stressed that any success must come from “doing many things well.”
Still, there’s no shortage of belief in the camp, with Sarabia declaring: “We don’t feel inferior to anyone.”
With the Martínez Valero expected to be bouncing after the holiday period, Sarabia’s hoping for a proper footballing spectacle to start the new year – though he’s more focused on performance than result, believing that if they play their game, “they won’t hurt us.”