Seven absences and an ultimatum looming for Córdoba at José Zorrilla

Córdoba travel this Sunday to the José Zorrilla to face Real Valladolid, but the match arrives heavily shaped by absences. According to Sport, the context is twofold: in Pucela there is mounting doubt around Fran Escribá’s position, while Córdoba also head to Valladolid with several players ruled out.

Squad problems on both sides

Valladolid’s build-up is marked by seven absences. Iván Alejo is training away from the group and his participation is unclear. Sport adds that Fran Escribá also cannot count on internationals Abed, Balboa and Homam, while injuries keep Ojeda, Guille Bueno and Dani Pérez out.

Córdoba, meanwhile, are dealing with at least four injuries/absences. Jacobo Martí continues recovering from a cruciate injury and won’t return until next season. Franck Fomeyem is approaching the one-year mark of his ankle injury. Adilson Mendes is not expected to be available before December after a meniscus issue, and Víctor Sánchez is also pointing to being sidelined with muscular discomfort.

Pressure on Escribá

Sport stresses the “balancing” factor: Córdoba benefited from an Albacete side arriving with many absences in their last meeting, and now the expectation is that a similar situation could play out in Valladolid.

But the bigger story is the bench. The outlet reports that “different voices in Pucela” believe a negative result could cost Fran Escribá his job. The potential positive for the hosts is that Salim El Jebari is back in contention and could make his debut this season if his coach decides to use him.