Cardoso returns to Sevilla training due to defensive issues

Sevilla have had an unexpected sight at their training ground this morning: Fábio Cardoso has rejoined the first team sessions, according to MARCA. The defender hadn’t trained with the club since last season, when he only played five matches, under Matías Almeyda.

Back because of physical setbacks

The newspaper says the move is a stopgap caused by the lack of options in the centre of defence. Coach Luis García Plaza has turned to him because Cardoso has been training normally for more than two months, despite being left out in the summer in a bid to secure an exit.

As part of that “discard” list, other names such as Joan Jordán, Adrià Pedrosa and Federico Gattoni were also mentioned. But while the others eventually found a way out of Nervión, the Portuguese has been the only one to stay at the club. Even if he’s not in the coach’s immediate plans, he is registered in LaLiga with number 15, so he wouldn’t have issues being called up.

Sangante injured, Marcao a concern

The need to bring him in is linked to the injury of Arouna Sangante, who is still recovering from ankle problems, and to the well-known physical fragility of Marcao. With those doubts, Sevilla’s centre-back options include Kike Salas, Andrés Castrín, Marcao and academy player Iker Muñoz.

Looking ahead, Sevilla face a tight week: matches against Deportivo de La Coruña and Barcelona come within four days. And MARCA adds that the club is still working on a possible destination for Cardoso, with attention on markets such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.