Málaga weighs up a Martial move due to Lobete injury

Málaga are considering the market to cover a long-term absence: Lobete is ruled out for an extended period, and that has opened the door to finding a forward on the market. Ahead of their trip to Balaídos to face Celta, coach Juanfran Funes said the club will look into possible reinforcements, but stressed the decision must be taken with care.

A boost, but cautiously

As Funes explained, the club needs to weigh up the “pros and cons” because acting too quickly could affect other options in January. He also underlined that Málaga’s room under LaLiga’s squad-cost limit is very small—second only to Sevilla.

Martial is one name

Among the offers that have drawn attention is Anthony Martial, a move that Funes believes would represent a step up for the team’s attack. However, he sounded a note of caution: “we can’t rush this now,” and the important point is deciding when to act so that whoever arrives can contribute either immediately or in a relatively short timeframe. “Decisions you make now shape the path for others later,” he added.

For Sunday’s match, Funes said Málaga are aiming for their first win back in LaLiga, after two draws and two defeats in their previous visits to the Metropolitano and the Bernabéu. He also claimed the team doesn’t need to worry about pressure, and he praised the opponent’s quality under Claudio Giráldez, saying Celta are among the most powerful sides in the league and are able to pin you back—something he expects the team to handle with patience and tactical adjustments, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.