Half past five in the afternoon marked the start time for Jorge Almirón, kicking off Elche’s first training session behind closed doors. The setting was the Martínez Valero stadium, a place where security and infrastructure shield the evolving tactics from prying eyes and where the status of injuries remains closely watched. The scene conveyed the quiet intensity that often accompanies football’s most important routine: preparation before the weekend clash and the careful assessment of every squad member.
Pastore remained a player under consideration for the upcoming match against Valencia. The Argentine forward arrived in his own car and left the facilities around the same time as the rest of the group, with the same routine cadence. Yet the mood was shaded by the persistent muscle discomfort that has shadowed his recent appearances. In league play, his field time has been limited to 20 minutes in the second fixture against Almería, highlighting how a lingering issue can nudge a player toward a cautious position on selection.
Lucas Boyé faced a different kind of challenge. His suspension for a red card on the previous Monday would keep him out for a single game, making him eligible to rejoin the squad for the midweek encounter against Real Madrid. The conversation surrounding his absence centered on the discipline record rather than the tactical fit, underscoring how off-field actions can influence on-pitch decisions and squad rotation.
The Competition Committee’s decision in Boyé’s case reflected the league’s disciplinary framework. They applied Article 130.1 to the incident, noting a violation of the rules governing violent conduct during a match. The language of the code describes acts that occur during play or as a direct result of the game as punishable if they involve risk, even when visible damage is avoided. The outcome reinforces the principle that on-field behavior carries consequences and that suspensions can be invoked to preserve the sport’s integrity. The club and its supporters understand that discipline matters as much as skill, shaping how a player is available for selection in upcoming fixtures.
In summary, Elche’s current calendar balances training discipline, injury management, and disciplinary compliance. The team continues to prepare with focus and resolve, weighing the fitness status of key players against the demands of a crowded fixture list. Each training session adds information to the coaching staff’s method, guiding selections and strategies while staying aligned with league rules and the need to maintain competitive form throughout the season.