Elche CF conducted a disciplined training session on Thursday to gear up for a crucial league meeting. The squad is scheduled to face Mallorca this Saturday at 14:00 in the Martínez Valero stadium, a match that promises to test the home side’s depth after a week of intensive work behind closed doors at the same venue.
Among the players, Crevillent native Jose Ferrandez was unable to take part in the full group session due to a lingering muscle issue that has kept him in physiotherapy for weeks. While the medical team continues to monitor his condition, the coaching staff, led by Francisco, will decide tomorrow after the final training on Friday whether Ferrandez will be available for the showdown with the Balearic club.
Josan is a key piece of the tactical plan and is expected to feature in the lineup. He had a moment where he appeared to be set for a strong start on the right side, replacing Helibelton Palacios, who has racked up several yellow cards and faces a suspension in the next fixture. Josan has shown versatility in recent seasons, capable of operating as a winger or in other attacking roles, and even shifted to different positions during recent matches at the coach’s request. If Crevillentino Ferrandez cannot recover in time, Josan could push into left-back, with the team relying on the depth of the squad for coverage in that area.
Guido Carillo remains completely ruled out due to muscle problems that forced him off after only 30 minutes in the most recent game against Real. Lucas Boyé is also unlikely to feature soon as he remains sidelined with a fibrillar rupture in the adductor suffered two days ago at San Mamés against Athletic Club de Bilbao. The absence list also includes the young talents on the development roster, with John Chatauya not yet back to full fitness after a prolonged ankle issue that has kept him out for two months. The manager is mindful that Ferrandez’s condition remains uncertain while others in the squad still carry niggles, limiting options for selection yet underscoring the need for patience and smart rotation.
Despite these hurdles, Elche’s coach Francisco remains calm and focused. He stressed that the priority is ensuring every available player reaches peak fitness and is ready to contribute fully. “There is no time for worry,” he commented. “What matters most is that the players can train, recover, and be ready to give 100 percent when called upon. Some squad members have minutes available in the rotation, and others may need to step up if called on.”
Among the positives, Argentine international Javier Pastor, known as El Flaco, has returned to training fully after serving four-match bans and appears prepared to contribute to the tactical plan. Pastor participated in the most recent sessions without problems and is building a foundation for a decisive run of fixtures. The club continues to monitor fitness levels closely, balancing rest and intensity as it navigates a demanding schedule while aiming to secure a favorable result against Mallorca.