Elche CF faced a difficult moment as the coach, Francis Rodriguez, endured a heavy setback after Lucas Boye sustained an injury. The incident weighed on the team, the club, and its leadership. Yet there is no option but to push forward, accept the setback, and focus on a swift recovery so the squad can return to competitive form as soon as possible.
There was a glimmer of positive news for the coach from Almeria this Monday, when Omar Mascarell, the Canary midfielder, remained on the bench and could not take part in last Sunday’s fixture. The match against Athletic Bilbao ended 2-1 in favor of the visitors, a result that came after a fiery pregame process. Mascarell endured a difficult night at the Nuevo San Mamés stadium and arrived with a fever of 38 degrees, making him unable to face such a challenging opponent. After a rough trip back, the club’s medical team advised him to rest and recuperate at home to regain full fitness.
Nevertheless, Mascarell did not let the setback keep him down for long. On Tuesday morning, despite the staff taking a day off, he chose to attend the Martínez Valero stadium to train, working diligently in the gym and moving along the perimeter of the El Licitano complex to regain rhythm and build strength.
The green-green midfielder did not want to lose consecutive days without training. When the rest of the squad returned to work on Tuesday, Mascarell opted for a light session to condition his muscles and prepare himself to seamlessly join the team’s drills with the others, aiming to minimize any further disruption to his recovery path.
His absence from the San Mamés clash was noticeable, as Mascarell has been a regular in the starting lineup under Francisco. The Argentine Ivan Marcone filled in for him, stepping in as a voluntary option but at a reduced level compared to Mascarell. The coach relied on continuity, hoping the decision would not compromise the team’s performance against Athletic Club.
Looking ahead, Mascarell is again a candidate to be available for the crucial match this Sunday at 18:30, when Elche hosts Real Sociedad at the Martínez Valero stadium. The team continues to navigate the schedule with a careful approach, balancing the need for results with the obligation to protect players from aggravating injuries.
In addition to Omar Mascarell’s situation, the coach is also managing forward limitations with right-back Antonio Barragan unable to participate in Basque territory due to accumulating cards. Francisco can count on Johan Mojica and Enzo Roco as options in defense, with both Colombian and Chilean players staying on the bench for the last encounter. The manager chose to err on the side of caution after a taxing journey and a week spent in concentration with the squad, prioritizing long-term health over short-term risk.
As things stand, the initial report suggests that the only confirmed casualties for the upcoming match against the San Sebastian side are Lucas Boyé and Shepherd, who will serve the fourth and final sanction game attached to their disciplinary records. The coaching staff remains vigilant and ready to adapt the lineup to maximize performance while safeguarding players’ well-being. Attribution: club press materials and post-match briefings.