This piece examines Elche CF’s defensive challenges this season, focusing on the backline and the impact of injuries. The club aims to strengthen its central defense in the winter window and to unify the two central positions more effectively on the pitch.
Injuries have disrupted the defensive unit, leaving coach Pablo Machín with a thinner squad and forcing adjustments to the lineup. These limitations have tested the team’s resilience as they navigate a demanding schedule.
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First came Fede Fernández’s departure, a move the club announced after he exited the squad for concentration in Oliva. Before the World Cup break, Enzo Roco could not participate in the final King’s Cup match against Alcora Sports Club due to an Achilles tendon problem. Diego González also dealt with a muscle issue that did not fully clear up until recently, and he returned to action only last week. Earlier, at the Festa d’Elx award ceremony in front of Leeds United, young John Chetauya suffered a fractured fibula, leaving him sidelined for at least two months.
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The left flank has felt the blows as well, with Nico Fernández Mercau sustaining a wrist injury during training this Sunday. The swelling forced immobilization, and it remains unclear whether the injury is a fracture or a minor crack. The downtime remains uncertain. Nico is expected to miss Tuesday’s fixture against Guadalajara (19:00) in the King’s Cup round two. In addition, Lautaro Blanco trained with the squad after returning from the World Cup break but will not be available until January when the winter market opens. This situation affects Machín’s plans, leaving Carlos Clerc as the only fully available left-back. With a limited pool at the back and recent losses of Nico Fernández and Lautaro Blanco, a reshuffle on the left side may be necessary, and players may need to stay versatile when needed on the central defense line.
The Elche coach has emphasized a pragmatic approach, stating that his priority is to avoid regret and to seek solutions rather than dwell on absences. The aim is to adapt and overcome, not to insist on a fixed system when the personnel on hand call for flexibility.
Despite the setbacks and Machín’s openness to experimenting with a three-man defense, the coach plans to maintain tactical influence through a three-player backline when possible. The strategy centers on a solid central pairing and wide options to press from the flanks, enabling deep wingers to stretch the opponent and supply crosses into dangerous zones. Helibelton Palacios has been described as a versatile central winger, highlighting the value of adaptability in the squad’s setup.
With limited personnel, Manu Cocca can contribute both as a central defender and a left-back when required and has been named to travel with the squad for the upcoming match. The good news is that Enzo Roco has recovered and will travel with the team. He has been back in group training for several days, though he is not at peak form yet—he is working with the medical and training staff to regain peak performance.
In this context, Elche’s coaching staff remains focused on maximizing squad depth, preserving defensive shape, and exploiting opportunities to adapt during matches. The players understand the importance of collective effort and continuous improvement as they prepare for upcoming fixtures and the potential impact of the winter market on the backline’s depth and experience.