Adrián Niño returns in time to ease Málaga’s attack

The Málaga CF has found a bright spot amid a week of absences: Adrián Niño reappeared on the training pitch and, as Sport reports, is now available for Funes for the team’s next matches before the first international break.

Back from injury

The Rota-born forward couldn’t make the squad for the Levante game, but Sport says his recovery puts him on track for what’s coming this week. If everything goes smoothly, Niño could be included in the trip to Vigo for the Celta clash at Balaídos on Sunday, with a possible chance to play his first minutes of the season if the coach decides.

His injury came during pre-season. Sport explains that he suffered a muscle problem in the soleus during the friendly against Fulham, keeping him out for almost a month from group training. In that period, Málaga also dealt with longer-term losses, including Julen Lobete (cruciate ligament) and Aaron Ochoa (external meniscus).

More attacking options

Niño’s return comes at a crucial moment for the team. Sport highlights that Málaga has lost options in the forward lines in recent days, and the comeback gives Funes another alternative for both starting lineups and substitutions. The article adds that the forward feels most comfortable as a main reference or playing alongside Chupe or Eneko Jauregi, though his versatility also lets him operate on the wing at times.

With the immediate run of fixtures against Celta, Villarreal and Getafe, Sport frames the availability of the attacker as much-needed freshness for an offense that has struggled for goals early in the campaign. “A great piece of news” is how the paper describes it, with Málaga hoping Niño provides the finishing edge the team has been missing.