Ander Herrera's absence comes after the midfielder finished the last match against Juventud de Torremolinos carrying a knock. The player was one of several footballers who ended that game with discomfort, although the academy graduate had trained with the rest of his teammates during the week. Even so, the Basque coach has opted to give Real Zaragoza's first captain a rest and avoid taking any risks.
"Everyone is available. Last week we managed Espiau's workload because it is a long-distance race. We will see tomorrow in the squad announcement whether we decide to manage anyone's workload or not," Ibai Gómez said in his pre-match press conference. Ultimately, the Basque coach has left Ander Herrera out, while calling up the other players who also finished last weekend's game with physical problems or were unavailable in Torremolinos.
Our ???????????????????? for today ?? pic.twitter.com/nQKENZV9PT — Real Zaragoza (@RealZaragoza) September 20, 2026
THE REST OF THE SQUAD
Edu Espiau, who trained during the week, returns to the squad after missing the match in Torremolinos. Diego González and Rubén Iranzo have also been selected to face Cartagena after being forced off in the last game in Málaga.
Jaime Tobajas completes the squad and is back in contention for the first team after featuring for Deportivo Aragón. His inclusion gives Ibai Gómez more options for a match in which Real Zaragoza will seek to make it three consecutive wins and maintain their strong start to the Primera RFEF season.
