Fidel Chaves is back on the grass, this morning taking the first step toward full recovery since the hamstring micro-tear news emerged. Earlier reports indicated the injury would keep him from peak activity for about two weeks, and the first crucial period has now passed. Chaves shows clear signs of improvement, able to perform targeted exercises at Elche CF facilities. He trained at the Díez Iborra football field, moving through obstacle courses and continuous running with evident progress.
A sense of doubt surrounds whether he can face Real Mallorca, with Martínez Valero on Monday at 9:00 am in mind, and a potential match against Rayo Vallecano looming as another challenge to schedule. The player most likely to return in step with his recovery is Peter Bigas. The defender joined the session with the rehabilitation group alongside Chaves.
This morning, a sizable portion of Elche’s first team arrived at the Martínez Valero stadium with dropper bottles in hand. It was a day when many players dealing with injuries or discomfort attended the club’s facilities, while the head coach adjusted the usual routine to ease the load due to a congested calendar ahead of the next fixtures.
In this period, the coach offered the squad a near-rest day. Most players trained at the gym or gradually received physiotherapy. The aim was to pause the relentless eight-day stretch of training and allow the muscles to recover, creating a temporary truce for a team in need of relief.
The team’s physical preparation continues with fewer loads than at the season’s start. The core players are being pushed to deliver maximum fitness for the upcoming direct rivalries. With eight days remaining before a roughly six-week break for the World Cup in Qatar, Elche’s schedule remains tightly packed. Francisco’s side has important matches ahead. The goalkeeper summed up the sentiment saying that reclaiming form is essential, underscoring the team’s identity and resolve.