Four leaving losses that Almirón will absorb in the opening outing. This Saturday at 16:15 marks the second leg for the franciverde squad as they travel to Mestalla to face Valencia CF. Plans had indicated two players would miss the trip due to injuries: Fidel Chavez, who remains on the mend from a muscle issue and is expected to be available against Madrid or Espanyol next weekend, along with Lucas Boy, who is set to serve his one-game sanction today after the red card shown in last Monday’s Elche-Mallorca clash.
Two more names were added to the injury list: Gerard Gumbau and Fede Fernández. The club confirmed that Gumbau will not be part of the squad on the Valencia trip and is temporarily riding the bus with the team; the reason cited is a personal matter tied to his role as a father. Fernández, the central defender, was left out of the call-up as a precaution following discomfort spotted during the most recent training session.
For the Elche coach, the news is far from ideal, especially after a previous win last season against the Valencian club that had raised spirits. The early days of the campaign have not produced the expected results, and the team heads toward the Community of Valencia aiming to restore momentum and prescription for success. After a dip in form, the squad looks to reestablish confidence by competing strongly away from home and challenging a opponents’ defense that will be keen to steady their own early-season rhythm.
The official squad sheet issued by the club lists a familiar set of players selected for the journey. The goalkeepers named are Áxel Werner, Edgar Badia, and Jesús López. In defense, the personnel includes Enzo Roco, Diego González, Gonzalo Verdú, Pedro Bigas, Helibelton Palacios, Nico, Clerc, Pol Lirola, and John Chetauya. In the midfield, the names Pastore, Raúl Guti, Tete Morente, Domingos Quina, Álex Collado, Josan, and Omar Mascarell were included, while the forward line features Pere Milla, Roger, and Eze Ponce. The arrangement points toward a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, a combination the coach hopes will yield balance on a demanding ground.