Elche hit by five absences ahead of Barça clash
The Franjiverdes prepare for league leaders Barcelona with key players missing, though Chust returns from suspension and new signing Cepeda could debut.
Elche’s preparations for Barcelona’s visit this Saturday have taken a blow with five players missing from Thursday’s training session at Díez Iborra.
Injury concerns mounting
Sebastián Beccacece’s squad trained with several notable absences as they gear up for the daunting task of facing the league leaders. Four players were sidelined with various physical issues, while a fifth appears to be on his way out of the club:
- Rafa Mir - In the final stages of recovery from a muscle injury, potentially available Saturday
- Héctor Fort - The Barcelona loanee remains out following shoulder surgery
- Álvaro Núñez - Sidelined with a pubic bone injury
- Josan Ferrández - Reduced training load as a precaution
- Bambo Diaby - Absent as he finalizes his winter transfer window exit
To add to Elche’s woes, midfielder Aleix Febas will miss his first match of the season through suspension.
Not all doom and gloom
It’s not all bad news for the Franjiverdes, mind. Defender Víctor Chust returns after serving his suspension, providing a much-needed boost to the backline that’ll face Barça’s potent attack.
Another positive is the comeback of Pedro Bigas, who’s been missing in recent weeks due to a knee knock. The experienced defender’s return couldn’t have come at a better time as Elche prepare for what will be a proper test against the table-toppers.
New blood
Fans might get their first glimpse of recent signing Lucas Cepeda. The Chilean acquisition could be in line for his debut, offering Beccacece a fresh option as his squad deals with these absences.
Elche will need all hands on deck if they’re to get anything from Saturday’s fixture against a Barcelona side that’s been in sparkling form. Talk about a baptism of fire for the new boy if he does get the nod!