Barry, Terrats and Foyth at the heart of training sessions
The Villarreal medical service is in turmoil. The Yellow Submarine returned to training on Monday after three days of rest, facing uncertainties over Kiko Femenía, Eric Bailly, Álex Baena, Nicolas Pepe and Ayoze Pérez as they prepare for Sunday’s clash in Pamplona (2 p.m. ). However, several positive and encouraging news are emerging.
According to images provided by the club, Marcelino had 14 players available for training, including Pau Navarro, as they await the return of internationals Yeremy Pino, Pape Gueye and Logan Costa, who the club hopes to see fit after the exhausting FIFA virus.
One of the main highlights was the return of Juan Foyth. The Argentina full-back was all smiles, sporting a bandage on his left knee as he trained with his teammates. He is getting closer to a return but must regain his physical condition, having not played an official match since December 14 against Stade Rennais in the Europa League.
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On a positive note, Marcelino also welcomed the return of Ramón Terrats and Thierno Barry. The Catalan midfielder has returned to training without problem, and the French striker relieves a significant problem in attack. Called up for the French U21 team for the first time, Barry missed his debut due to shoulder pain. On his X account, he shared that it was “a disappointment not to start but he will come back stronger”. A few days later, he reassured Groguets fans with an optimistic message: “Everything is fine,” he posted on social networks.
On the other hand, Kiko Femenía and Álex Baena only completed exercises in the gym and are both doubtful for the match. The right back was replaced during the match against Alavés and is experiencing minor discomfort. If he doesn’t recover, Pau Navarro is set to start, with Willy Kambwala as a backup option.
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Concerning Álex Baena, one of Villarreal’s key players, he continues to improve after suffering a strong ankle shock against Denmark. The Roquetas de Mar native came out in tears, raising concerns, but no serious injuries were detected, and it ended up being a simple scare.
There have been no updates regarding Nicolas Pepe, Ayoze Pérez or Eric Bailly. The former Arsenal player was unable to play for Ivory Coast due to a muscle problem, and his condition remains a complete mystery. Ayoze Pérez has also been absent, returning to Spanish national team Tenerife today after picking up an injury during Sunday’s training. His father has confirmed that the Tenerife-born player is suffering from a quadriceps injury, making his participation in Pamplona unlikely.
This situation leaves Marcelino facing a real dilemma in attack. The Asturian coach must look for solutions and alternatives, because currently he only has one striker available, plus the asterisk of Gerard Moreno. Certainly, Gerard Moreno has been training normally since last week, but his injury history requires extreme caution to avoid a relapse. The staff’s plan was to gradually integrate him into the team, giving him 20 to 30 minutes to evaluate his physical response.
Thus, Marcelino is considering alternatives for the offensive sector. One possibility would be to position Yeremy Pino in a more advanced role with more freedom. The use of Pape Gueye, who played as a second striker against Getafe, is also on the table.
Additionally, Pau Cabanes and Etta Eyong have impressed with Villarreal B and will be hoping for a chance with the first team. The Burriana academy product has already counted several minutes at Cerámica against Las Palmas. With only five days to go, here is the state of an injury-plagued Yellow team in the offensive department.
