Elche CF faces questions surrounding Ezekiel Ponce as Sunday’s 2 pm matchup against Real Madrid in Catalonia approaches, with doubt hanging over his participation at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat. The Argentine striker did not attend Elche’s most recent training session, which was held behind closed doors at the Martínez Valero stadium this Saturday, fueling speculation about his fitness and availability.
Ponce’s partner is close to welcoming a second child, and she is expected to give birth within the next few hours, adding a personal hurdle to the player’s planning. She already has one child, and the timing of delivery could influence Ponce’s on-field decisions, including whether he travels with the squad for the trip to Barcelona. This situation has created a delicate balancing act for the player and the club as they weigh competitive needs against family responsibilities.
In the most recent league outing against Valencia, another key figure, Gerard Gumbau, was also absent for family-related reasons. The Catalan midfielder could not travel to Turía, as his partner was anticipating twins and expected to experience a challenging birth. Such concurrent personal events highlight how squads must adapt quickly to evolving circumstances while maintaining competitive momentum.
Elche faces logistical hurdles as it prepares for a potential Saturday afternoon charter flight to Barcelona. The travel schedule adds a layer of complexity to decisions about player availability, especially for those dealing with personal or family considerations that could influence travel readiness and match readiness.
Should Ponce be ruled out, he would join his compatriot Faith Fernandez in the group of players accustomed to stepping up when needed. Fernandez has continued his training with the squad, though he remains sidelined by muscular discomfort and has not yet been cleared for a full return. The club continues to monitor his condition and to determine the best path to reintegrate him into competitive minutes.
Head coach Jorge Almirón provided a candid assessment of Fidel Chávez’s status as the team looks ahead. Chávez has returned to the roster and is available to contribute in brief stints, though expectations center on gradual reintegration. “Fidel hasn’t played a full 90 minutes since May. He has logged minutes in two separate injuries and is still not at peak conditioning for a full game. He is training well, but the optimal moment to feature him for a complete match remains uncertain. The decision will depend on his mental readiness and the team’s needs. He was on the bench against Real Madrid, but it would have been difficult for him to complete a full game then. Now he is closer to readiness and will be used if required for a few minutes, rather than as a regular starter,” the coach explained. Chávez’s role will hinge on the game’s evolving demands and whether the squad seeks a temporary lift off the bench.
The broader squad dynamics continue to evolve as Elche navigates a demanding portion of the schedule. Injury management, travel logistics, and the balancing of personal circumstances all intersect with performance targets. The staff remains focused on fielding the most competitive lineup possible while supporting players through these personal challenges, ensuring that when match time arrives, the team can execute with clarity and intensity.