Elche CF enjoyed a rare rest day after last Saturday’s clash, a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou that left them to reflect and regroup. With the La Liga calendar offering a break over the weekend, the franciverdes squad returned to action on Monday, aiming to work through a focused week from Monday to Friday. The league’s pause also gave the coaching staff a clear window to manage load and recovery, ensuring the players could recharge ahead of the next round of fixtures. Until Monday, October 3, their next official match in La Liga remained on the horizon, leaving the team with ample time to fine-tune and bounce back.
On Monday, the squad gathered at the Diez Iborra Municipal Ground, and the session began under the quiet watch of the Martínez Valero pitch. The grass at the venue is undergoing reseeding to improve surface quality for the rest of the season, a strategic move to support high-intensity training and reduce injury risk. The session was conducted behind closed doors, and the mood among the players carried a serious note, a sign of their determination to respond after the tough outing against Barcelona. The head coach’s demeanor reflected focus and resolve, punctuated by a light moment as he teased delegate Francisco Montoya, a brief levity amid the hard work.
Five members of the squad were absent from this opening training block: Edgar Badia, Omar Mascarell, Pedro Bigas, Tete Morente, and Fidel Chaves. They stayed in the gym with the medical and conditioning staff while the rest of the group hit the field. Badia opted to use the time off to address a lingering lower back issue that has troubled him in recent weeks, prioritizing rest and targeted therapy to return stronger. Morente and Fidel are experiencing overload after the demanding workload in recent matches, and Bigas continues to deal with muscle tightness that flared late in the last game. Mascarell was unable to travel to Barcelona due to Achilles tendon discomfort, a reminder of how the fixture congestion can strain the squad. The players will be given a 14-day window to recover ahead of the next fixture against Rayo, with the aim of returning to peak form in time for the critical run of league games.
In the broader context of squad management, the coaching staff emphasized a careful balance between rest and reconditioning. The medical team is closely monitoring each case, tailoring rehabilitation programs to individual needs while ensuring a cohesive return-to-play plan. The objective is not merely to pass the time between matches but to rehabilitate, restore confidence, and sharpen tactical understanding within the squad. The medical timeline and the training load are aligned with the strategic aim of maintaining depth and performance across all competitions, so that the team can compete at a consistently high level when league action resumes.
Pol Lirola and Pere Milla were present for the session, choosing to train independently alongside Diez Iborra. Lirola, who did not participate in the Azulgrana game, was back on the training ground as his injury concerns showed signs of improvement. Milla, who faced a knock in the preceding week, made careful progress in the workout, reflecting the cautious approach to player welfare that has become standard in the modern game. Both players joined the group for portions of the drills, and their participation signaled a positive trajectory in their respective recoveries. The Catalan winger’s absence from the Barcelona squad last week was due to the impact from a knock, while Milla’s condition was affected by a viral issue that affected several players in the squad. Despite the hiccups, both are expected to be available once their conditioning is fully restored, and they showed a willingness to push through the edge of fatigue in pursuit of fitness.
Looking ahead to the next fixture at Vallecas, the coaching staff remains confident in the squad’s ability to prepare effectively. The players are focused on absorbing the tactical work delivered during the first phase of the week, refining coordination, and building on the team’s collective understanding. With the majority of the squad available and a clear plan for recovery and reintegration, the team is optimistic about delivering a strong response when league duties resume. The upcoming challenge offers an opportunity to translate the hard work from the training ground into performance on matchday, with the squad eager to demonstrate resilience, discipline, and renewed energy as they chase positive results.