Elche moves closer to promotion play-off positions
Elche CF began the day with a string of encouraging updates as the injury list shortened and first-team rehabilitation shifted back to a more routine rhythm. Focus at training sessions recently has been on the forward line, a group that had briefly paused the club’s steady six-match unbeaten run under manager Sebastián Beccacece. Yet, optimism returned as players stepped back onto the pitch, bringing renewed depth and options for the decisive stretch of the campaign.
A notable surge of good news came with the return of several sidelined athletes. The morning session started with a visible sense of progress as the squad gathered on the grass, and the mood among the coaching staff pointed toward a productive spell ahead. Management has pursued a measured reintegration tactic, prioritizing match fitness while avoiding any rush that could trigger a setback. Training drills emphasized conditioning, tactical cohesion, and collective tempo, all aimed at preserving momentum through forthcoming fixtures.
John Chetauya stepped onto the field for the first time in two weeks, resuming his routine after a period of rest and recuperation. His comeback was welcomed with quiet optimism as he pushed through the drills with the grit that has defined his season. He shared the field with two younger teammates, Adam and Pamies, who are managing muscle concerns through a targeted recovery program led by the medical staff and supervised by fitness coach Aitor Soler. The trio’s presence signals a broader recovery story within the squad, one that prioritizes careful rehabilitation and progressive intensification rather than abrupt bursts of intensity.
John Chetauya — pictured during the morning session — was not yet part of the core group in full-field drills. Early indications suggested November could bring a return to full competition, but the plan remained cautious as the medical team balanced readiness with the schedule’s demands.
Moving forward
The standout update came from Sergio León, whose absence had weighed on the squad. He rejoined part of the group for a segment of the training, moving through exercises at a pace that implied his recovery remains on track. León trained at Díez Iborra with teammates and took part in portions of the session, signaling that a gradual return to full participation is on the horizon. The timing remains flexible, yet the signs are encouraging that the veteran striker could resume competitive action sooner than anticipated, potentially closing the gap at the top of the attack line.
Physically, León appeared in good form, keeping pace with his colleagues and showing solid activity during the session. His condition matched that of his peers, reinforcing confidence in a careful, phased comeback rather than a rushed reintroduction to match play.
Sergio León will be out of action for at least three months
The latest medical outlook remained cautious. While León demonstrated promising signs in training, the club’s medical bulletin confirmed that the forward would miss a substantial period, estimated at a minimum of three months. The prognosis underscores the need for strategic planning in attack and the importance of squad depth as the club navigates the remainder of the season.
The general mood around the squad continued to be resilient. On the pitch, players concentrated on technical work, ball circulation, and defensive organization, with the aim of translating those routines into consistent results in the upcoming fixtures. Although the loss of a key attacker presents an extra hurdle, the coaching staff remain dedicated to identifying alternatives within the squad to keep momentum and sustain the promotion push.
Low
The only setback observed today involved Rodri Mendoza, who reported some muscle discomfort. Mendoza trained away from the main group, using the gym facilities at the Martínez Valero stadium to maintain base conditioning while managing the issue. The short-term plan calls for a gradual reintroduction to team drills once symptoms subside, ensuring no further disruption to the squad’s rhythm as the season progresses.