Elche CF has confirmed a muscle injury for Helibelton Palacios, a setback that will keep the Colombian right-back sidelined for a stretch. After showing muscle issues in the latter stages of last Sunday’s match against Girona, Palacios underwent diagnostic tests at the Affidea Tesla Clinic. The club announced a left thigh inner muscle injury, signaling a potentially extended absence as the recovery unfolds.
The prognosis for Palacios will hinge on how the next days evolve. Early indications point toward missing upcoming fixtures, including the Sunday clash with Valencia at 14:00 and the midweek trip to Vigo to face Celta on Wednesday at 22:00. If recovery progresses as expected, there remains hope Palacios might rejoin the squad in the weeks ahead, but the immediate focus is on rehabilitation and a careful return-to-play plan.
On the other front, the team is also dealing with another injury blow as Carmona suffers a significant hamstring tear sustained during the match with Barcelona. This injury threatens to sideline the Catalan defender for a substantial period and leaves the right-back position thinner as the season progresses. In response, competition for the backline is intensifying, with Pol Lirola and Josan Ferrandez stepping into the spotlight as potential fill-ins.
Carmona’s setback and the lineup ripple
The Catalan full-back replaced the Colombian at Montilivi and had been building minutes after a lengthy absence from the lineup. Lirola, whose loan from Olympique de Marseille runs until season’s end, may become a more regular option if Palacios remains unavailable. The broader squad also includes Josan, whose contract with the club extends through June 30, positioning him as a practical depth piece for the wing-back roles.
Beccacece’s evolving plans and the path forward
As Palacios and Carmona recover, the opportunity modules created for the coaching staff are ripe for experimentation. Beccacece will likely test a variety of formations and personnel combinations in the upcoming fixtures to identify the best ways to shield the defense while preserving counter-attacking potential. The aim is to keep the squad competitive in the short term while shaping a resilient plan for the next campaign. Beccacece has already demonstrated willingness to rotate, adapt, and give fringe players a chance to contribute meaningful minutes in important matches.
Impact on Elche’s defensive identity
With Palacios out, the duty of organizing the back line and providing width may swing toward Lirola or Josan, depending on how the manager chooses to deploy the wing-backs. The club will assess whether a shift to a more compact central defense or a system that relies on overlapping full-backs can offset the loss. The coaching staff is focused on maintaining balance, ensuring that the team remains compact without sacrificing the attacking threat that Palacios typically helps generate on the flank.
Outlook and preparation
Elche’s immediate plan centers on recovery timelines, tactical flexibility, and squad depth. The medical department will monitor progress closely, adjusting training loads to prevent setbacks. While Palacios and Carmona work toward revitalization, the rest of the squad will continue to prepare for league fixtures with a clear emphasis on cohesion, discipline, and rapid decision making under pressure. This approach aims to keep Elche competitive as they navigate a demanding schedule and seek to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
In summary, Elche CF faces a fork in the road marked by two significant injuries. The team will lean on Lirola, Josan, and emerging players to maintain stability in defense and provide alternative avenues for attack. The coming weeks will reveal how Beccacece harnesses this challenge to mold a robust, adaptable lineup for the campaign ahead.