The top three players from the first franchise victory will not be part of tomorrow’s match against Real Madrid. Two players, Mascarell and Palacios, are suspended, and the season’s leading scorer Pere Milla is injured, so they cannot join the squad. The setback, while painful, could have been worse. The gap between the last match and the upcoming game stands at eleven days, which helped avert greater problems. Four players dealing with issues were able to return in time. Yesterday, Roco, Fidel, Gumbau and Boyé prepared to face the last Club World Cup champion.
Papa Cheikh continues tests and Collado trained on the grass yesterday, showing clear signs of progress. | AXEL ALVAREZ
evolutions
The progress of the four recovering players varied, yet all shared one common factor: the heavy effort in the match against Villarreal. The absence of Mascarell, Palacios and Milla is a direct consequence of that early victory. The price paid is high for a squad that does not have many reliable options. An unnamed actor is even on trial. Pape Sheikh He keeps training with the group and looked very involved yesterday, in good physical condition. The announcement of a final decision could come soon. Coach Pablo Machín held his regular press conference before a league game, and it was expected that he would be asked about it.
With everyone potentially ready for the Bernabéu
Sheikh
Even Cheikh could be brought into play if the Soriano coach sees fit. His profile as a strong midfielder might replace Mascarell, though others like Raúl Guti are also well positioned.
Among the four affected players were two medics. One, the Canary Islands native and his usual partner, Gerard, admitted to feeling unwell last Thursday with mild hamstring discomfort. To prevent overload, Elche’s medical staff arranged special training sessions for him.
Who will Elche rely on to cover the losses against Real Madrid?
JA Galvanized
Fidel and Boyé did not attend that training session. Fidel trained at the stadium and rejoined the group only yesterday, due to cautious conditioning. The winger has endured muscle injuries throughout the season but is ready for the Bernabéu. The striker also finished training yesterday after last week’s issues and stated, I feel good. I have had things happen in the last game, but there is plenty of time to sort everything out before the next match. I feel very good now.
Gumbau is sidelined with muscle overload
VL Deltel
Boye is in peak form now. The attacker said he has been playing almost every game recently, which has given him rhythm and intensity he had been missing. He explained that regaining form after an injury takes time and that training rhythms are difficult to recapture, but matches deliver the needed tempo.
Enzo Roco was out last week due to a flu shot keeping him away from the squad for several days. He rejoined the group yesterday and looked to be among the most active players, though the most severe symptoms have passed and he is set to be involved in the interview process.
It was also confirmed that Elche’s return to activity included two wounded players. Alex Collado has already rejoined the squad to finish his rehabilitation from a proximal disinsertion of his right adductor. The treatment and follow-up for the Barcelona youth product began at the club’s medical team and continued with the Elche staff. Collado trained with John Chetauya, who was nearing the end of his own recovery, along with the club’s physio, Aitor Soler. Local player Jony Álamo also trained with them.
rival
Machín has five confirmed absences for the Bernabéu, but the manager still has more time to prepare than his opponent, who claimed the Club World Cup title. Real Madrid held their first training session ahead of the upcoming match in Madrid yesterday afternoon.
Elche moves on without Vinicius
JA Galvanized
Real Madrid needs to beat Elche to close the gap to Barça, who defeated Villarreal to widen their lead, and continue to chase the top of the table. Carlo Ancelotti entered a squad with three confirmed casualties and four players under suspicion. Vinícius Jr. is suspended due to accumulated cautions. Lucas Vázquez trained with the group for part of the session yesterday but is unlikely to return. Mendy and Courtois remain sidelined, while Hazard trained on his own yesterday.