Elche’s injury report after Osasuna setback
Elche CF faced a tough Saturday as a 2-1 loss to Osasuna carried more than just the scoreboard. The match left the squad with important personnel concerns. Fidel Chavez picked up a fifth yellow card of the season, earning a suspension that rules him out of the upcoming home clash at Montilivi. He received the booking while still on the field, forcing the medical staff and coaching group to plan around his absence. The incident means he will be unavailable for the next fixture on Sunday afternoon as the team travels for a critical regional challenge.
After the card, the Huelva native watched the remainder of the game from the bench, and Lautaro Blanco was withdrawn in the 51st minute due to a precautionary issue. Fidel Chavez finished the match with ice applied to the affected area, and the medical team indicated that the player would not take risks with his recovery. A 15-day window ahead provides ample time for healing, with the club aiming to reintroduce him without jeopardizing his long-term fitness. The expectation is that Fidel could return for the regional duel slated for Sunday, April 23, in the Martinez Valero, where Elche will host Valencia in a prominent Valencian Community derby.
Concerns deepen as Morente also succumbs to discomfort
Tete Morente was unable to complete the Osasuna game due to adductor discomfort. The coaching staff, led by Sebastian Beccacece, noted that the substitutions involving Fidel Chavez and Cádiz’s player were strategic changes made late in the match. Morente’s availability for the upcoming Montilivi encounter depends on his recovery throughout the week. The club expects no major setback and remains hopeful for a prompt return to training, with a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
Morente’s recent contribution places him among the more impactful players under Beccacece’s leadership. He has featured in important roles, operating as a right winger in some matches and as part of a fluid frontline in others. In the Osasuna clash, Morente was among Elche’s best performers and registered the decisive moment for the visitors, even as Osasuna equalized in the second half. The performance underlines Morente’s value to the squad and the importance of managing his workload during a busy period.
Squad discipline and notable cautions
The Elche squad saw a number of cautions, including Fidel Chavez who received a card during the game but avoided additional sanctions on the field. Gerard Gumbau was another player who entered the fray with four bookings in the competition, signaling a need for careful discipline in the weeks ahead. The balance between aggressive pressing and avoiding unnecessary fouls remains a focal point for the coaching staff as the calendar tightens.
Looking toward the next match, attention turns to the potential return of key players once their disciplinary and injury issues have cleared. The team continues to monitor training groups and individual rehabilitation programs to ensure players like Fidel Chavez and Carmona can rejoin the squad fully fit. If there are no complications, the plan is for Fidel and Carmona to reappear after their respective setbacks, keeping the squad competitive for the Montilivi clash and the subsequent fixtures in the lead-up to the regional derby at the Martinez Valero.
Beccacece’s tactical notes and squad depth
Beccacece has consistently emphasized squad depth and flexibility. The manager will weigh personnel changes based on weekly progress and the availability of returning players. With Morente’s status still under evaluation, the coach may rotate options on the wings, depending on training data and match readiness. The incident-free week ahead will be critical for final assessments, enabling the staff to finalize the lineup for the Montilivi game and the Valencia fixture that follows.
The club remains focused on maintaining competitive momentum while safeguarding player health. The medical department will continue to track the recovery trajectories of both Fidel Chavez and Morente, ensuring that any return is stage-appropriate and sustainable. As Elche prepares for a demanding schedule, the coaching staff prioritizes smart load management and strategic substitutions to sustain performance levels across multiple competitions.
In summary, Elche’s immediate concerns center on Fidel Chavez’s suspension and the recovery timeline for Morente. The upcoming meetings, including the regional derby and the trip to Montilivi, will test the team’s depth and tactical resilience. The path forward will hinge on careful rehabilitation, disciplined on-field conduct, and timely returns from niggling injuries that have disrupted several recent outings.
For ongoing updates, the club will communicate medical findings through official channels and team briefings, while the coaching staff remains focused on translating recovery progress into on-field results. The next weeks will be decisive as Elche navigates a challenging period with a lean squad and a clear aim: secure points while protecting players from extended lay-offs.