Edgar Badia’s absence shakes Elche as squad gathering for Girona test
Elche’s squad faced a surprise selection list for the trip to Girona, with goalkeeper Edgar Badia excluded from the squad due to personal reasons. His absence leaves a notable void at the top of the depth chart, especially since Badia has been the team’s most trusted goalkeeper across La Liga this season, logging the full minutes and standing as a backbone for the Franjiverdes.
His unavailability represents a significant setback for the team. The starting spot now falls under a different routine for Beccacece, who will oversee a defense that has relied on Badia to anchor the back line in nearly every match. The drop in experience between Badia and his likely replacement is clear, and it could influence Elche’s approach at Montilivi as they prepare to face Girona.
Badia the only Elche player to play every minute in La Liga
A standout note for supporters is Badia’s durability. He has been the Primera goalkeeper with the most stops this season, recording 108 saves. That total places him ahead of rivals from Cadiz and Almeria by a comfortable margin, underscoring his role as a key figure in Elche’s efforts to compete week after week in the top flight.
With Catalan unavailable, two French-green goalkeepers are set to compete for the role in Montilivi. Axel Werner and Jesús López, the regular substitute and third goalkeeping option, are expected to be called upon. Werner is anticipated to start for Elche in his first league appearance of the campaign, stepping into a game that demands steady shot-stopping and organizational leadership from the back.
Werner joined Elche last season and has seen limited action recently, with a handful of appearances in cup competitions and a couple of league fixtures over the past two campaigns. His experience in domestic cup ties has included a win at Almería and close, high-stakes encounters against Real Madrid, where outcomes were tight. This season, he has featured mainly in cup assignments and a few league minutes, with his latest involvement coming in the domestic cup rounds against Alcora.
Argentina’s Axel Werner and Fede Fernández will only play
In addition to Werner, Fede Fernández remains a reserve option who has yet to feature in an official league match this term. His recent activity shows limited participation in the season, with previous work in Spain spanning seven league appearances, most of them with Huesca, plus a game with Atlético Madrid in a prior campaign.
Nteka returns to the list
Among the group called up, Randy Nteka returns to the fold. The loan forward from Rayo Vallecano has recovered from an injury and will be available for Beccacece to include in the squad for the match at Montilivi. The full list of Franjiverdes players called up is outlined below:
- Goalkeepers: Werner and Jesus Lopez
- Defenders: Lautaro Blanco, Enzo Roco, Gonzalo Verdú, Pedro Bigas, Magallán, Palacios, Clerc, Pol Lirola, John
- Midfielders: Raúl Guti, Tete Morente, Pape Cheikh, Collado, Josan, Gumbau, Mascarell, Nico
- Forwards: Boyé, Pere Milla, Nteka, Ponce