Arbilla back in the mix for Eibar after serving suspension

Eibar’s defensive stalwart returns to the fold after serving his marching orders, giving manager Beñat San José a welcome selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

Captain’s return

Anaitz Arbilla is finally available again after missing Eibar’s last three matches following his red card against Mirandés. The skipper’s return provides a timely boost for San José, who’s been forced to experiment with his backline in recent weeks.

The big question now is whether Arbilla walks straight back into the starting XI, and if so, where? With Peru Nolaskoain and Marco Moreno forming a rock-solid partnership in central defence, Arbilla’s most likely route back into the team appears to be at left-back – a position he occupied before his dismissal when doubts surrounded Buta and Arrillaga’s form.

Left-back lottery

During Arbilla’s absence, San José has played musical chairs with the left-back position:

• Álvaro Rodríguez started against Burgos
• Rodríguez began against Granada too, before muscle problems forced him off (replaced by Corpas)
• Arrillaga got the nod last Sunday and put in a proper shift in the victory over Almería

Arbilla’s four weeks away from competitive action might influence San José’s decision, but all signs point to either the returning captain or the impressive Arrillaga occupying the left side of defence this weekend.

Transfer thoughts

Even with these options, Eibar haven’t ruled out bringing in another left-back before the transfer window slams shut. However, any new arrival would likely depend on someone leaving first. Buta appears the most expendable having seen limited action in recent months, but shifting him could prove a bit of a ‘mare given the circumstances.

With no January arrivals or departures so far, Arbilla’s return represents the only real ‘new’ option for San José as Eibar continue their promotion push.