Elche produced a clear snapshot of their current form in the two sessions held on Sunday and Monday after the break. Fitness levels and health concerns remain central as the team prepares for this weekend’s clash with Real Zaragoza at the Martínez Valero, with several players nursing injuries while others start to regain match fitness.
Sergio León’s absence is still felt, though there is cautious optimism about his recovery. He has not been cleared for full participation yet, but hopes are rising that Borja Garcés could be involved sooner rather than later. Garcés has yet to rejoin the full group, and the coaching staff continues to supervise his rehabilitation as he completes the final stage of his return.
Fidel Chaves, who began the previous match against Albacete on the bench, remains troubled by a lingering muscle issue and was observed undergoing sessions with the club’s rehabilitation specialist this morning. Pedro Bigas also faced a muscle problem that forced him off during the last game, with his status under medical review.
Elche face five defeats and remain uncertain for the upcoming Real Zaragoza clash
The weekend plan has become the focal point as the club weighs readiness for the fixture. The coaching staff is proceeding with caution, evaluating options and potential rotations to manage injuries and stay competitive against Zaragoza.
In the most recent training block, two players on daily load management had reduced intensity. Roughly forty minutes into the session, Díez left the field after completing a portion of drills, signaling a measured approach to workload management as recovery and conditioning take priority.
The rest of the squad trained with the group but spent time outside the central circle, engaging in low-intensity activities and light ball work to preserve touch and coordination without burdening players who remain sidelined by injuries.
A recent training image captured Elche preparing for the Zaragoza match on Saturday [source: team communications].
John remains unavailable
Meanwhile, the broader squad continued training with one notable exception. John Chetauya did not participate in this session after rejoining training camp; medical and coaching staff are monitoring his recovery plan and adjusting the timetable for his return.
The group featured a mix of first-team regulars and younger prospects. Three newer players joined the session alongside veteran Rodri and head coach Sebastián Beccaccece. The names Nordin, Didac, and Ali Houari stood out as players earning opportunities to show progress and potential within the squad [source: team communications].