Elche CF spent Monday resting, and on Tuesday, beginning at seven in the evening, will resume training in a closed session at the Ciudad Deportiva Juan Ángel Romero’s Díez Iborra facility. The week marks the start of a competition stretch, and the team will begin focusing more precisely on the forthcoming official clash of the season. Monday, August 15, at 09:30, they will face Betis at the Benito Villamarín stadium.
Currently, the squad is short on options, with only 12 healthy players available. Despite having a full squad for much of the season, Fidel is hoping to preserve Josan, Tete Morente, and Pedro Bigas for the league opener.
Gonzalo Verdu is in rehabilitation after adductor surgery, while Lucas Boy and Shepherd continue their personalized recovery plans. There are safe injury concerns for travel to Seville.
Fidel, Josan, Tete Morente, and Pedro Bigas, who could not feature in the friendly in La Nucía last Sunday, are dealing with various issues and remain in training sessions. A special preparation is planned to ensure their availability for the Betis match.
In the Nuciero base, the franciverde coach started with the starting XI: Edgar Badía, Helibelton Palacios, Enzo Roco, Diego González, Carlos Clerc, Omar Mascarell, Gerard Gumbau, Johan Mojica, Pere Milla, Ezequiel Ponce, and Roger Martí.
Raul Guti remains a fixed option to face the season. From the rest of the La Nucía reserves, Axel Werner’s continuity remains unclear; if another goalkeeper arrives, a loan could be possible. Likewise, Josema Sánchez and forward Murad are in a similar situation. Youth player John Chetauya is reportedly set to be part of the first team, though perhaps not in a prominent role. Other players who appeared for Camilo Cano included Rodrigo Mendoza, Carles Marco, Galindo, and goalkeeper Soria. Some of them could still earn a place in the squad for the Betis match.
Elche holds the advantage of closing the opening day of La Liga, scheduled for Monday night. The club faces a long week ahead, with more time to fine‑tune the footballers. Players like Fidel, Tete Morente, Josan, and Pedro Bigas may be ready to contribute, and four of them are expected to be available for the encounter.
Moreover, Francisco aims to secure more autographs this week while the squad absorbs tactical concepts and prepares for the challenge against Sevilla. Even if there is little time, players who trained regularly with their teams, such as Roger Martí, could be used when needed.
White Lautaro
The Elche club confirmed an open secret yesterday: 23-year-old Argentine left-back Lautaro Blanco is joining the squad. One of the most promising talents in Argentina, the deal with Rosario Central was completed for around two million euros. Blanco will remain with Rosario Central on loan until January while integrating with the Elche setup.
Elche CF formally announced the signing of Lautaro Blanco yesterday, a move that adds depth on the left flank and promises to bring youthful energy to the squad. The transfer underscores the club’s intent to strengthen the roster ahead of the season’s early fixtures and the ongoing adjustment period for the broader squad.