The mildest form of trouble can still cast a long shadow. On Thursday evening, a medical exam ruled out a serious ankle injury for Álvaro Hernáiz, yet the Mallorca-born forward remains doubtful about taking the field in the early days of the 2023/24 campaign with Hercules, as the club gears up for the September 3 season opener. A sprain sustained during a friendly against Cartagena’s reserve side at La Manga prompted the medical team to assess the damage. The good news is that there are no ligament ruptures beyond the first degree, which means a conservative recovery window is possible. The return-to-ball and weight-bearing phase is projected to take between 10 and 15 days, with progress closely monitored by physiotherapists and the medical staff at the club.
There is still room for refinement before the league curtain rises. The potential return of alvaritobut, the team’s most dangerous attacking weapon this summer, could coincide with Hercules’ first league clash against Espanyol B if the two-week rehabilitation window is fully realized. The club remains hopeful that the forward can regain peak form in time to contribute from the outset, providing a spark to accompany the rest of the squad as they prepare for a demanding season.
Alvarito’s setback makes Hercules’ victory in Cartagena (0-1) feel like a mere anecdote
Pedro Rojas
The forward has not found the back of the net in the five friendlies he has played, but his movement, pace, and instinct have been evident throughout the summer tour. His presence heightens the team’s attacking options on both wings, and his clinical edge is something the coach, Lolo Escobar, relies on as the club closes the preseason with a sense of urgency. While the broader preparation carried a few gray notes, the coaching staff remains confident that the winger can deliver key contributions once match rhythm returns. The recent hiccup in fitness has tempered expectations only slightly; it has not dimmed the staff’s belief in the player’s ability to drive the team forward.
The swelling in his right ankle has diminished gradually, and the medical assessments conducted at the FIFA excellence clinic have provided reassurance. Doctors De Prado and Ripoll reported there is no ongoing trauma or acute fluid buildup, which clears the way for a structured rehabilitation plan that blends physiotherapy with modern modalities such as electromagnetic stimulation. The aim is a steady, safe return to competitive action, with ongoing evaluation to ensure no relapse as the season resumes.