Castellón face Ceuta with key absences in depth test

The CD Castellón led by Pablo Hernández arrive at Sunday’s SkyFi Castalia clash against AD Ceuta FC with several absences that test their squad depth. Midfielder Jari Vlak has a sprained ankle, while defender Jeremy Mellot will miss the game serving a suspension after a sending off.

Sport reports the injury wave followed last Monday’s trip to Leganés, where Castellón still won despite international call-ups, including Maty Orozco with Colombia. During the week, Vlak picked up the problem and the club confirmed an ankle sprain. He will be out again this weekend and could be sidelined for several weeks.

In Butarque, Castellón were left with only two options in central midfield: Diego Barri as the mainstay and Álvaro Martín, back in the starting XI after dropping his place due to Orozco’s emergence.

Depth check vs Ceuta

Alongside Vlak, Mellot is the other big name missing. After the red card in Leganés, the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee upheld the decision, so the Frenchman serves his ban against Ceuta. With limited internal alternatives, the coaching staff have previously had to reshuffle roles, and this summer the club added reinforcements, including Juanjo Nieto for the right-back position.