Málaga CF are preparing for their first away league match of the season with two late withdrawals. Players Aznou and Álex Pastor were unable to train normally on Saturday due to a gastrointestinal virus. Both join an absentee list that complicates the build-up to Sunday's match against Celta de Vigo, corresponding to the fifth matchday of LaLiga EA Sports.
The blue-and-white squad completed their morning work with a technical talk from coach Pablo de la Torre 'Funes', followed by activation exercises, rondos, and small-sided games. Despite the issues, a positive note came with the presence of Eneko Jauregi and Adrián Niño, allowing Funes to have his three central strikers available for the first time this campaign.
A depleted squad
The virus-related absences add to those of Lobete and Aarón Ochoa, who continue their recovery from long-term injuries. Fernando Calero and Murillo are also unavailable as they continue their respective rehabilitation processes, while Haitam is absent for personal reasons. This situation forces the manager to find solutions within a squad searching for its first league win, after a season start with zero wins, three draws, and two defeats in their last five outings. The most recent result was a goalless draw against Levante on September 6th.
The Málaga CF team will travel to Pontevedra this afternoon to stay overnight and move to Vigo on Sunday. The match at Balaídos is scheduled for 14:00. For this clash, Funes has called up goalkeepers Alfonso Herrero and Carlos López. In defence, Carlos Puga, Rafita, José Salinas, Ángel Recio, Einar Galilea, and Juan Berrocal will travel. The midfield consists of Izan Merino, Jens Cajuste, Carlos Dotor, Dani Lorenzo, Pablo Martínez, Ramón Enríquez, and Rafa Rodríguez. In attack, the options are David Larrubia, Joaquín Muñoz, Juani, Juan Cruz, Chupete, Eneko Jauregi, and Adrián Niño.
After the match in Vigo, Málaga CF will turn their attention to their next league fixture, which is against Athletic Club at La Rosaleda on November 29th. Fans can check the full season schedule on our fixtures page and the first-team squad status in the squad section.
