Vadillo will definitely not start in that position. However, Gómez stressed that this applies specifically to the center-forward role. That does not mean he will be left out of Real Zaragoza's starting XI, although the coach did not confirm it either. The question remains open.
Ander Herrera, with the group on the left, appeared at Thursday's Real Zaragoza training session. Photo: A.P.
Ander Herrera's involvement in this match is in doubt. The midfielder is recovering from lower back pain that has kept him out of action. “We still don't know whether Ander is at 100%. We are not going to take any risks. We'll see tomorrow (Saturday, the final training session),” he said of the Real Zaragoza academy product. If confirmed, this would be the only absence.
The players who can bring the team closer to victory will face Teruel. Gómez made this statement when asked about Monzón, who is with Ecuador's under-20 team, and Tobajas. Although the latter is currently with the reserve side, both train within the first-team setup. And here, they are “at the same level as, and in some cases above” other Real Zaragoza players.
MESSAGE FOR WESTERVELD
The Real Zaragoza coach was also asked about Sem Westerveld, who has posted good numbers but has occasionally appeared hesitant. Gómez strongly defended the goalkeeper.
“I've read things I don't agree with. He has made few mistakes, but perfection does not exist in football. He will have excellent games. Perhaps he needs to improve his handling of crosses, but I'm calm about the goalkeepers,” he began, also coming to the defense of his teammate Anartz.
“Sem has the personality to be Real Zaragoza's goalkeeper, which is not easy. We have faced very few shots. It is difficult to stay focused with so few interventions, and he is doing so. I'm calm,” Ibai insisted.
WORDS FOR PINILLA
He also had words of praise for academy player Hugo Pinilla. There is no “exact solution” in his case, despite the fact that he has not played a single minute for Real Zaragoza this season. “Training like this brings him closer to playing, but I cannot guarantee it,” he said.
“I know how difficult it can be. He will end up becoming important with that mindset,” he concluded about the young footballer.
