Elche CF on a peaks moment and a pivotal clash ahead
Elche CF is enjoying a peak stretch this season and hopes to keep the momentum going. Next Saturday at 21:00, a challenging away game awaits in Catalonia where the team faces Espanyol. The encounter could shape the fate of both clubs, with Espanyol recently slipping from League One into a position of title contention while Elche looks to climb the standings.
Two points separate the teams in the table. Catalan Elche sits in sixth with 25 points, while Espanyol holds ninth place with 23 points, currently outside the playoff positions. A victory would lift Elche above Espanyol and reposition them higher in the table, creating a meaningful gap for the weeks ahead.
For this important matchup, Elche coach Sebastián Beccacece plans to field a strong lineup, closely mirroring the XI that started the season opener at Cornellà-El Prat.
Nico Castro is poised to return after serving a suspension in the match with Real Zaragoza, having missed the Albacete fixture due to a red card. His absence last weekend left a notable vacancy, but Raúl Guti performed admirably in his stead. Castro remains in contention to rejoin the starting XI against Espanyol.
Another potential return to the lineup is Pedro Bigas. The Mallorca native was restricted to the bench while dealing with muscle discomfort. Next week he aims to take a spot in the XI at Cornellà-El Prat, joining Raúl Guti and Diego González who delivered strong performances as substitutes against Zaragoza. Beccacece now faces decisions that provide him several viable options for the attack and midfield.
In attack, Borja Garcés is back to full fitness after a severe femur tear suffered in the match against Tenerife. The Atlético de Madrid forward, on loan to Elche, appeared for the final minutes against Zaragoza and showed clear signs of recovery. His return has also accelerated the recovery timeline for other muscle injuries previously hampering the squad.
Beccacece will consider whether Garcés starts or if Mourad remains the focal point of the attack as the team approaches the Espanyol game.
Mourad thrives under Elche’s challenges
JA Galvan
Fidel Chaves could also be an option, depending on how the week unfolds. The club captain has been sidelined with a left calf issue since the match against Huesca and did not feature in recent fixtures. He trained with the squad in the lead up to the Albacete game but is not yet fully cleared for a return. Beccacece will not rush his comeback, prioritizing the player’s long-term health and form over any short-term risk.
Chaves remains a key presence for the team, and his availability would add another layer of depth to the squad. While a return against Espanyol is unlikely, the decision will hinge on his week of training and his medical team’s assessment.
There is also uncertainty around Sergio León and John Chetauya. Both players have been listed as doubtful at times, with the club careful about their participation until fully fit. A late decision on their involvement is possible, but it seems unlikely they will travel to Barcelona in this cycle.
The striker who has been out with a hamstring issue has seen improvements in recent days. After a tough period on the sidelines, his rehab is progressing ahead of schedule, but a return against Espanyol remains uncertain. The forward has begun light training and is gradually increasing intensity, hoping to contribute soon, yet the team will not push him to risk a relapse.
Current injuries also include delays for John Chetauya, who is approaching four months since fibula surgery. The young talent has faced setbacks and is slated for careful management. The plan remains to protect his long-term health rather than rush a comeback, especially with important fixtures ahead in the calendar.
Elche resumed on-field training this Tuesday afternoon at six o’clock, operating behind closed doors at the Martínez Valero stadium to prepare for the visit of Espanyol next Saturday. The focus was on tactical drills, shape, and conditioning as the team readies for a crucial clash that could influence the race for the playoffs.