Carmona and Vargas back in training as Sevilla gear up for Celta clash
Sevilla receive timely boost with return of key players ahead of La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo, while Ejuke and Adams remain on AFCON duty
Two familiar faces have returned to Sevilla training as Matías Almeyda’s men prepare for their final match of the first half of the La Liga season against Celta Vigo.
Key players back in the fold
José Ángel Carmona and Rubén Vargas were both spotted on the training pitch for the second consecutive day, having rejoined their teammates on Friday. This comes as a massive boost for a Sevilla side desperately seeking to rediscover their scoring touch after drawing blanks in three consecutive matches.
Carmona’s presence is particularly significant, as the academy graduate has been Almeyda’s most-used player since the Argentine took charge, clocking up a whopping 1,514 minutes. Despite whispers linking him with a January move to generate some much-needed cash, Carmona remains one of the gaffer’s most trusted lieutenants.
As for Vargas, the numbers tell their own story. With the Swiss international available, Sevilla have collected 16 from a possible 36 points (44.4%). Without him, that drops to a paltry 4 from 18 (22.2%). Not to mention they got knocked out of the Copa del Rey during his absence. His contribution of three goals and four assists could be just the ticket for a team that’s forgotten where the onion bag is.
Squad limitations remain
While the return of Carmona and Vargas will have Almeyda grinning like a Cheshire cat, he’s still facing several selection headaches:
- Suazo, Azpilicueta and Alfon continue their recovery from injuries
- Nigerian duo Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams remain on international duty at AFCON
- Marcao will serve the second game of his suspension following his red card against Real Madrid
The final training session before Sunday’s match will take place tomorrow morning at 10:00, followed by Almeyda’s pre-match press conference.
The Celta fixture represents the last chance for Sevilla to improve their position before the halfway point of the season. After a proper mare in front of goal recently, they’ll be desperate to end their scoring drought and start the second half of the campaign on a positive note.