Gattoni returns from the wilderness as Sevilla's defensive crisis deepens
Matías Almeyda hands Federico Gattoni a lifeline as Sevilla register the forgotten Argentine defender amid an injury crisis ahead of Athletic Bilbao clash
After spending more time on loan than in Seville, Federico Gattoni has finally been registered by Sevilla FC and could make his first appearance for the club in over a year against Athletic Bilbao tomorrow.
Almeyda offers clean slate
The Argentine centre-back, who’ll wear the number 22 shirt, has been given a proper chance to impress new gaffer Matías Almeyda amid a defensive crisis at the Andalusian club. Gattoni’s Sevilla career has been a proper dog’s dinner since Monchi signed him back in February 2023, with the defender only joining that summer before being shipped out on loan twice - first to Anderlecht and then to River Plate.
Almeyda made it crystal clear in his presser that he’s not interested in Gattoni’s troubled past at the club: “If there are players at the club, we have to use them,” the coach stated, confirming he’s been impressed with what he’s seen in training over the past month.
From forgotten man to potential saviour
The timing couldn’t be better for Gattoni’s reintegration, with Sevilla’s treatment room looking busier than Piccadilly Circus at rush hour. The club is currently without:
- César Azpilicueta
- Marcao
- Tanguy Nianzou
- Adnan Januzaj
- Rubén Vargas
- Alexis Sánchez
- Alfon González (though nearing return)
Batista Mendy is also suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card against Elche.
Stats that tell a story
Gattoni’s Sevilla career makes for some shocking reading. Since joining the club, he’s managed just four appearances totalling 126 minutes - two in La Liga and two in Copa del Rey. His last appearance for the club came on December 6, 2023, against Astorga in the Copa, where he scored his only goal for the club.
Costa also gets the nod
Álex Costa has also been called up to the squad for the Athletic match. The Madrid-born striker, who joined from Ponferradina last summer, has been named in the first-team squad four times but has yet to make his debut. He’s scored just once in 16 appearances for Sevilla Atlético this season.
With Sevilla’s injury list growing by the week, tomorrow’s clash against Athletic could be make-or-break for Gattoni’s future at the club. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end!