Ramón's return lifts Málaga, but key midfielder sidelined for Anoeta trip
Captain Ramón nears full recovery after ACL injury layoff, while Dani Lorenzo faces hamstring concerns ahead of crucial away fixture against Real Sociedad B.
The ‘Doctor of Passing’ is finally nearing his return to action after nearly a year on the sidelines, providing a massive boost for Málaga’s promotion ambitions.
Captain’s comeback
There’s proper good news coming out of La Rosaleda as captain Ramón has begun his gradual reintegration with the first-team squad. The midfield maestro has been absent for nearly a full calendar year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture - the sort of injury that gives every footballer the right hump.
The Órgiva-born playmaker, who’s tied down at the club until June 2027, has been working separately with the ball for several weeks now. His complete return to full training is edging ever closer, with the skipper spotted last Saturday working in La Rosaleda’s annex alongside Dani Sánchez under the watchful eye of physical rehabilitation coach José Antonio Lizana.
Lorenzo layoff
It’s not all sunshine and roses for Málaga though, as they’ll have to make the journey to Anoeta without Dani Lorenzo. The local midfielder was substituted at half-time during their last match after feeling discomfort in his hamstrings and hasn’t trained with the group since.
The club is playing it cool, suggesting there’s no need to have a bubble bath about the situation. The injury apparently isn’t serious and - importantly - isn’t related to the pubalgia (sports hernia) that kept Lorenzo sidelined for much of last season. Still, losing such an influential figure for the trip north will be a proper blow.
Galilea’s crafty card clearance
Meanwhile, Einar Galilea’s shown he’s got more than a bit of the old dog about him. The Basque centre-back missed his first league start since Juanfran Funes took over as manager when Málaga faced Cultural Leonesa, with minor physical discomfort opening the door for Javi Montero to make his league debut under the new gaffer.
Funes later clarified that Galilea “wasn’t seriously injured and was fit to play” but preferred not to risk him. The defender, however, made the most of his bench role by protesting a refereeing decision strongly enough to earn a yellow card - his fifth in the current cycle.
This piece of tactical brilliance means Galilea will serve his suspension while already sidelined through injury, effectively wiping his disciplinary slate clean without missing any additional matches. That’s what I call playing the game, son!