The alarm sounded at Elche CF this morning as the squad gathered for a routine session at the Díez Iborra training ground. Seven players were absent from practice, a sign of the rough stretch the team has endured. Six of the missing players were sidelined by a stomach virus that swept through the group, testing the medical staff as they scramble to contain the outbreak. In addition, Omar Mascarell has not played recently, remaining on the sidelines for two weeks due to an Achilles heel issue. The squad’s midfield options are strained, and the upcoming match against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Saturday at 16:15 now carries an extra layer of concern for the coaching staff and supporters alike.
Now the franciverde club will monitor the virus situation and observe the wellbeing of the rest of the players. The medical team plans to watch for any new symptoms that might emerge and will adapt training and recovery protocols accordingly. The aim is to keep the squad in the best possible shape while preventing further spread and ensuring readiness for a crucial league encounter.
The league has a standing protocol that can suspend a game if a team cannot field the minimum required numbers. If the first team and the reserve squad collectively cannot provide thirteen players, including at least five players who have first team experience, the match could be in jeopardy. At this moment, Elche is not pursuing that option, though decisions could shift in the coming hours depending on how the situation evolves and how many players can recover in the short term.
This latest obstacle adds to a challenging period for the Francisco-led side, which has faced a string of injuries to key performers since pre season. The club has also integrated several new signings and is managing a demanding schedule, all while fighting to climb from the bottom of the standings. With only one point earned from the fifteen on offer, Elche finds itself near the foot of the table, a reminder that every fixture matters and resilience will be tested again in the next match days.