Fernando Calero out for over a month with three fractured ribs

Málaga CF faces another blow to their defense. Fernando Calero had to leave the friendly against Ceuta after a blow to his side, and the official medical report has confirmed the feared news: the centre-back suffers fractures to ribs 9, 10, and 11 on his left side. According to Sport, the absence will last more than a month, potentially extending to two months depending on recovery progress.

The injury will keep Calero out of Málaga's league debut against Atlético Madrid on August 19th and around seven matches until the first international break. The problems multiply in the Andalusian side's backline: Murillo is still recovering from a knee injury, Moussa is injured, and Álex Pastor has just returned after a year out. This leaves Einar Galilea and Ángel Recio as the only fit senior centre-backs.

The situation forces Málaga to intensify their search for reinforcements in the transfer market. The club was already looking to sign a left-footed centre-back, but now the arrival of a defender is becoming urgent to face the opening weeks of the season.