Template Elche CF was in training this Saturday inside Martinez Valero stadium behind closed doors, a final session before a crucial meeting on Sunday just hours away, against opponents from Barcelona. The Elche squad secured a victory over the relegation rivals, trimming the gap from twelve to nine points and keeping the fight alive for another week.
Pablo Machín cannot rely on several long-term injuries. Pere Milla, Álex Collado, and John Chetauya remain out, while Diego Gonzalez also misses the match due to a muscle issue and will not be available. Last Wednesday the team picked up a fifth yellow card at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid, which enforces a suspension that will affect the lineup.
The miracle of Elche’s salvation passes through Martínez Valero
In principle, these are the four fitness concerns the Soriano-led side must manage. The good news is Randy Nteka’s comeback. The French forward, on loan from Rayo Vallecano, had to retire early in the previous match due to a muscle overload. Medical tests yesterday confirmed the issue but showed no lasting damage, and he trained with the group on Saturday.
In the official press conference before facing Espanyol, Machín confirmed that Nteka will be in the squad: “There was a muscle load because he is not used to playing for that long and needs to adapt. He trained and is ready to play,” the coach observed.
Machín continues monitoring Nteka and is prepared to adjust Elche’s starting eleven.
Elche’s coach Omar Mascarell and Helibelton Palacios had to sit out against Madrid due to a suspension after accumulating five yellow cards, leaving space for rotations in the defensive line and midfield.
The latest update notes that Helibelton Palacios returns to the group after serving his suspension.
Thus, the Franciverde coach has a 22-man squad available as the team eyes a second win in a row and the club’s second victory of the season at the Martínez Valero stadium.
The players called up include a balanced mix of experience and youth, with the squad set to push for an important result against Espanyol.
Goalkeepers: Edgar Badía and Axel Werner.
Defenders: Pol Lirola, José Ángel Carmona, Helibelton Palacios, Gonzalo Verdú, Enzo Roco, Lisandro Magallán, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, Lautaro Blanco and Nico Fernández Mercau.
Midfielders: Omar Mascarell, Gerard Gumbau, Raúl Guti, Pape Cheikh, Fidel Chaves, Josan Fernández and Tete Morente.
Forwards: Lucas Boyé, Ezequiel Ponce and Randy Nteka.