Málaga CF faces the international break under unique circumstances in the competition. The Andalusian side is the only team in La Liga EA Sports that has not lost any first-team players to national team duty, whether senior or youth levels. This situation, which deprives the club of some exposure, represents a tactical advantage for coach Juanfran Funes, who will have his full squad of 28 players available for the nearly three-week pause.
A full squad available
The lack of call-ups even affects players with recent international pedigree. Neither Chupete, Adrián Niño, Rafita nor Izan Merino, the latter a participant in last season's Under-20 World Cup, were required by the Spain under-21 side. Adam Aznou or Haitam, with experience in Morocco's youth setups, also did not receive the call. Swedish midfielder Jens Cajuste, capped 28 times for Sweden across senior and under-21 levels, has not been selected since 2024, and Aaron Ochoa, a regular for Ireland's youth teams, is sidelined with a meniscus injury. This leaves Funes with the complete squad to prepare for the return to competition, free from the risks of travel-related injuries or accumulated fatigue.
A context of urgency
This opportunity for uninterrupted work comes at a critical time for the team, which sits 20th in the standings with just three points from seven matchdays. Their recent form over the last five games reads zero wins, two draws, and three defeats, including the most recent 1-0 loss to Getafe. With a goal difference of minus nine, the need for improvement is clear. The next fixture is against Espanyol at La Rosaleda on October 9th, an opponent currently in 15th place. The coaching staff will aim to solidify ideas and reverse a negative trend that has the team in the relegation zone. Having the entire group together, is a valuable asset in this mission.
Background and full detail: Marca - Primera
