Aznou returns to training as Malaga confirm Juan Cruz muscle overload

Malaga returned to the Anexo pitch this Monday after a weekend off, with two clear updates: Aznou is back in the group on a progressive basis and Juan Cruz has been left out with a muscle overload, according to Sport. The left-back, still without a first-team debut, missed the matches against Villarreal and Getafe through injury and was also absent from full group training in the first week.

On the negative side, Juan Cruz also missed the last session due to workload management before the club confirmed the overload. The club’s situation is particularly tight on the wings, with only Joaquín and Larrubia currently fit for that role.

For the Oct 9 league clash vs Espanyol, Malaga will monitor whether the overload allows him to be available. This Tuesday from 10.30, the team will continue with a “mini pre-season” to regain physical sharpness, integrate new signings and recover injured players, while Cajuste and Murillo are still not back; the midfielder is expected to return during the international break and the return of the Manchego defender will be more gradual after his injury in the Almería promotion match.