for a termination. The other is due to injury. Francisco faced a tactical decision, forcing him to switch sides for Elche in the upcoming clash against Villarreal on the fourth round of LaLiga Santander, scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 PM. The move reflects a broader effort to adapt the squad to emerging realities, balancing experience with fresh options while the team presses to solidify its identity early in the season.
The surprise departure of Johan Mojica to a neighboring opponent leaves Elche’s coaching staff with a fresh set of questions. It also creates a clear chance for Carlos Clerc, the left back who joined the club this summer, to seize a starting role. Clerc has already integrated well with the group, participating in pre-season friendlies and showing promise in defensive duels and overlapping runs, even though he has yet to make his league debut. This turn of events underscores the opportunity for Clerc to demonstrate his consistency at a high level and to provide the team with new width and attacking options from the left flank.
Apart from the capital surprise, the Badalona native is expected to fill the position that has historically been Mojica’s domain. In the preseason, Clerc demonstrated a blend of solidity and pace, offering a dual threat going forward while maintaining discipline in his defensive responsibilities. The coaching staff will be hoping his minutes in competitive fixtures translate into reliable performances when the stakes rise, enabling Elche to exploit spaces on the flanks and stretch opponents to expose gaps in their defensive lines.
Francisco also faces challenges on the opposite side, the right at that. Pol Lirola will not be available against Villarreal on Sunday due to an injury sustained against Real Sociedad in the final round. The issue involves the adductor of his left leg, a problem that kept him out of the most recent training sessions and cast doubt over his involvement in the upcoming match. He was substituted in the second half of that game, and medical assessments are ongoing to determine his return timeline. Helibelton Palacios has stepped in as a strong alternative, presenting a fresh chance to win the starting spot. Palacios began the previous season with little dispute for a place, yet Lirola’s form in the win against Almería, particularly at the Martínez Valero, had given him the edge in early moments of the campaign.
Palacios started the opener against Betis but was substituted in the subsequent matches, leaving room for adjustments as the season progressed. In the recent test against Real Sociedad, Palacios showed a capability to adapt quickly on the right, reading plays well and providing necessary cover when teammates push forward. The Colombian defender has the potential to anchor the right flank more securely, helping Elche balance defensive responsibilities with attacking threats from the wing. His ability to press high and recover swiftly can be crucial in tight Europa League-style press recoveries and domestic league transitions alike.
Yesterday afternoon, the team held another training session at the stadium. Two players were sidelined with injuries, Fidel and Verdú, while Lirola continued with individual drills to build up his fitness. The trio’s status will be reassessed ahead of the Villarreal game. The squad is also weighing Omar Mascarell’s condition; he is managing fatigue from the previous match and reducing his workload this week. His contribution could be pivotal if he recovers fully, adding a steady presence in midfield and helping to control tempo against a strong Villarreal side.
for a termination. The other is due to injury. Francisco faced a tactical decision, forcing him to switch sides for Elche in the upcoming clash against Villarreal on the fourth round of LaLiga Santander, scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 PM. The move reflects a broader effort to adapt the squad to emerging realities, balancing experience with fresh options while the team presses to solidify its identity early in the season.
The surprise departure of Johan Mojica to a neighboring opponent leaves Elche’s coaching staff with a fresh set of questions. It also creates a clear chance for Carlos Clerc, the left back who joined the club this summer, to seize a starting role. Clerc has already integrated well with the group, participating in pre-season friendlies and showing promise in defensive duels and overlapping runs, even though he has yet to make his league debut. This turn of events underscores the opportunity for Clerc to demonstrate his consistency at a high level and to provide the team with new width and attacking options from the left flank.
Apart from the capital surprise, the Badalona native is expected to fill the position that has historically been Mojica’s domain. In the preseason, Clerc demonstrated a blend of solidity and pace, offering a dual threat going forward while maintaining discipline in his defensive responsibilities. The coaching staff will be hoping his minutes in competitive fixtures translate into reliable performances when the stakes rise, enabling Elche to exploit spaces on the flanks and stretch opponents to expose gaps in their defensive lines.
Francisco also faces challenges on the opposite side, the right at that. Pol Lirola will not be available against Villarreal on Sunday due to an injury sustained against Real Sociedad in the final round. The issue involves the adductor of his left leg, a problem that kept him out of the most recent training sessions and cast doubt over his involvement in the upcoming match. He was substituted in the second half of that game, and medical assessments are ongoing to determine his return timeline. Helibelton Palacios has stepped in as a strong alternative, presenting a fresh chance to win the starting spot. Palacios began the previous season with little dispute for a place, yet Lirola’s form in the win against Almería, particularly at the Martínez Valero, had given him the edge in early moments of the campaign.
Palacios started the opener against Betis but was substituted in the subsequent matches, leaving room for adjustments as the season progressed. In the recent test against Real Sociedad, Palacios showed a capability to adapt quickly on the right, reading plays well and providing necessary cover when teammates push forward. The Colombian defender has the potential to anchor the right flank more securely, helping Elche balance defensive responsibilities with attacking threats from the wing. His ability to press high and recover swiftly can be crucial in tight Europa League-style press recoveries and domestic league transitions alike.
Yesterday afternoon, the team held another training session at the stadium. Two players were sidelined with injuries, Fidel and Verdú, while Lirola continued with individual drills to build up his fitness. The trio’s status will be reassessed ahead of the Villarreal game. The squad is also weighing Omar Mascarell’s condition; he is managing fatigue from the previous match and reducing his workload this week. His contribution could be pivotal if he recovers fully, adding a steady presence in midfield and helping to control tempo against a strong Villarreal side.