A fair sanction and an enduring setback kept Hercules from fielding two essential players at a pivotal point of the season. The team gambled away a chance to climb to first place and secure direct promotion. Without Bikoro or Pedro Sánchez, Hercules cannot play with the same intensity. These are two pillars in Sergio Mora’s plan, and their absence is not something anyone can guarantee will be filled. The Blue and Whites showed their best moments with Bikoro and Pedro in the lineup, and Hercules has struggled to shine in recent times. Yet at this stage, with six games left in the regular phase, victory remains the only priority, even if the play looks less dazzling than last Sunday’s win over Puertollano.
Bikoro has only one match left to serve his sentence after directing insults toward the referee in the clash with Atlético Levante. He will miss this Sunday’s game against Murcia, and Rico Pérez will see him return to Melilla. The Equatorial Guinea international has continued to train normally after a long break, even though he lacks regular rhythm. The objective is to reach peak form for a playoff push. The team intends to approve this plan as soon as possible to ease concerns.
Pedro Sánchez also hopes to rejoin next week, nearly six weeks after an injury against Pulpileño. Ten minutes after resuming that match, he felt bone edema extend to the ankle and had to leave the field. The contusion prevented him from placing weight on his left foot after a forceful impact. The Aspe winger is a crucial figure in the squad, and his return has been slower than expected. He looks forward to rejoining the team, but will need a gradual ramp-up to prevent relapses.
Pedro Sánchez has several options to re-emerge in Murcia
Hercules is approaching a decisive stretch, aiming to rescue two key players after losses that were heavy defeats against La Nucía and Eldense. With six days remaining until the playoff begins in Alicante, the Blue and Whites seek the best possible position. The upcoming match this Sunday at 17:30 at New Condominium is critical to securing a playoff spot to challenge a direct opponent who currently sits one point ahead. The goal difference was nearly secured by a 3-0 victory in the first leg at Rico Pérez. A large contingent of Hercules supporters is expected to join the mission of the two teams, who share a parallel struggle and need a win to push for third place.
parallel suffering
In the recent Fontcalent training session, Alex Martinez participated but his readiness for Murcia was not in question. He did not finish the session after taking a hard blow. The squad remains buoyant after their latest triumph and is determined to beat Murcia to recapture some of the season’s early momentum.