Sevilla FC heads into one of the most demanding fixtures of the season at the Santiago Bernabéu with its squad severely depleted, manager Luis García Plaza said during his pre-match press conference.
The Injury Crisis and Roster Strain at the Santiago Bernabéu
The upcoming clash at the Santiago Bernabéu marks the match with the highest number of unavailable players for Sevilla this season, according to García Plaza. The manager noted that the team is dealing with four absences that have not affected them at any other point in the campaign, compounded by the doubtful status of Kochorashvili.
ℹ️ Luis García Plaza, new head coach of Sevilla FChttps://t.co/fP4TdHcyka
Kochorashvili has followed a specific training regimen to manage physical loads. His inclusion in the matchday squad depends on his fitness assessment, though García Plaza indicated the player would likely start from the bench if cleared. If Kochorashvili fails to recover in time, the manager outlined tactical adjustments, including shifting to a three-man midfield with the introduction of Nico or Manu Bueno, or dropping Fofana deeper while moving Peque into an advanced role.
Tactical Alternatives and Attacking Adjustments Without Isaac
Sevilla will also be missing Isaac due to suspension, which prevents García Plaza from deploying two forwards: «Lucas comes from an injury and if we play with two forwards I have no more changes, because Isaac is not here,» García Plaza said, referencing the return of Lucas Stassin after a two-match absence. Stassin will be in the list for the match, providing a vital option.
The right-wing position presents another selection dilemma following the absence of Miguel Sierra. García Plaza acknowledged that none of his available players for this position—naming Alfon, Vargas, and Ejuke—naturally prefer the right flank. «We have a problem, if I put Alfon on the right you criticize me, if I put Ejuke… whoever I put I am criticized,» García Plaza said, challenging the wingers to step up and adapt to the tactical requirement. Vargas returns to contention, having completed a strong week of training.
Breaking a Winless Run Dating Back to 2008
Despite the mounting selection hurdles, García Plaza emphasized that his squad enters the fixture in good overall form, having delivered a strong start to the season with competitive performances, excluding matches against Atlético and Barcelona. Sevilla has not secured a point at the Santiago Bernabéu since 2008, a historical trend the squad aims to challenge despite the personnel constraints.
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