Elche CF temporarily puts league concerns aside to square off this Wednesday at 18:00 inside Barcelona, as they face a first-round Copa del Rey clash against a Second RFEF side from Europe.
Elche will travel to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey
JA Galvan
Coach Sebastián Beccacece plans to rotate, giving regular league players a rest and offering minutes to squad members who typically see fewer minutes. The Argentinian manager reminded everyone of the approach adopted after the Tenerife match last Saturday, emphasizing that at least eight players from the first team will be involved. Even though the competition regulations require seven players, contingency plans are in place should injuries or dismissals occur, potentially shortening the match if needed.
Thus, Edgar Badia is set to start in goal, a shift that began when the Catalan goalkeeper moved from the bench to playing time from the seventh matchday. He will be supported by seven other first-team regulars in the lineup.
Carreira, Álex Martín, Diego González, Cristian Salvador, and Raúl Guti are among the expected starters, with several additional players also in line to feature. Lautaro Blanco, who did not play any minutes against Tenerife, is anticipated to receive another opportunity against Europa in Barcelona. He is likely to be included in the starting XI alongside others who will be called upon to meet the competition’s requirements.
Europe-Elche Cup match cannot be watched on television
JA Galvan
Salinas and Fidel are among the potential selections who might be included, though it is understood they may face challenges securing a spot. The team has options among players who contributed late in the Tenerife game, but earning a place in the traveling squad will be tough for some of them.
One of the players who trained but did not feature previously faced muscular discomfort. The captain missed the Huesca match as a precaution and logged only around 15 minutes against Tenerife. He continues to undergo medical tests this week, with calf issues lingering. It appears unlikely that Salinas and Fidel will accompany the squad to Barcelona.
In addition to these concerns, Sergio León and Borja Garcés are reported as sidelined. The Córdoba-born forward is progressing and has begun field work, while the Melilla-born attacker could only manage 15 minutes in Tenerife. While no medical report has been issued yet by the club, indications point toward a minor hamstring fiber issue.
Mexican Jesús Hernández will not be able to play in the cup with Elche
JA Galvan
Included in the absence list is John Chetauya, who remains not yet ready to return to competitive action. If all reported injuries and absences hold, Beccacece would be left with 18 available players from the first team and may need to rely on those who started in the previous match to fill minutes in the cup encounter.
An additional consideration is whether Murad will feature from the start, given the risk of injury that would leave Elche without a dedicated striker for a potential league game against Albacete. Pamies, a young player who debuted last Saturday, and Rodrigo Mendoza are seen as strong contenders to be in the starting lineup. If Murad does not start, the attacker Nordin or Mourad could assume the central role.
Elche’s likely starting XI may include: Edgar Badia, Carreira, Álex Martín, Diego González, Pamies, Lautaro Blanco, Cristian Salvador, Raúl Guti, Tete Morente, Rodrigo Mendoza, and Nordin or Mourad in attack.