Azpilicueta training solo as Sevilla await CTA decision on Almeyda

Sevilla’s preparations for Sunday’s trip to Getafe are overshadowed by fitness concerns and potential touchline absence.

As Sevilla gear up for their Sunday lunchtime clash with Getafe, they’re having to navigate a right old pickle both on and off the training pitch.

Azpi following concussion protocol

César Azpilicueta has been training separately from the main group as he follows the mandatory protocol for head injuries. The experienced defender had to be substituted during Sevilla’s recent match against Deportivo Alavés after suffering a concussion.

According to club sources, Azpilicueta is expected to gradually rejoin full training in the coming days. Good news for the Nervión outfit, that.

The injury list continues to include:

• Castrín
• Oso
• Marcao
• Vargas

Almeyda ban looming

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, there’s proper tension as Sevilla await the Technical Committee of Referees’ (CTA) decision regarding Matías Almeyda. The gaffer was sent off during the Alavés match following a confrontation with referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía.

The referee’s match report suggests Almeyda faces a multi-match ban, which would be a right kick in the teeth for Sevilla at this crucial stage of the season.

The club hasn’t taken this lying down, mind. Sevilla’s legal team has submitted an appeal against the referee’s report, accompanied by video evidence they claim contradicts the official account of Almeyda’s dismissal.

While not mentioned in the official report, television program ‘El Día Después’ on Movistar Plus claims lip-reading analysis shows Almeyda said “sos un pendejo” (Argentine slang for “you’re an idiot”) to the referee before leaving the pitch.

All eyes now turn to the CTA’s decision, which could significantly impact Sevilla’s touchline presence for upcoming fixtures, starting with Sunday’s 2pm kickoff at Getafe.