There is nothing to suggest that the attacker will make a quick recovery. In fact, having missed the second consecutive day of training in the penultimate session before the team travels, he can be considered practically ruled out. It would be a surprise if Espiau were included in Real Zaragoza’s squad.
Although injuries had spared the team at the start of the campaign, Real Zaragoza now appears to have its first absence of the season, according to traditional football conventions. There is still one more day of training, but the situation is clear: two consecutive days out so close to the match imply an absence. It is worth remembering that Espiau scored the team’s only goal of the season in the win over Antequera.
THE REST OF THE SQUAD
He is not Real Zaragoza’s only absentee. Goalkeeper Manolache has also joined the striker on the sidelines. Recently renewed by the blue-and-white club, he has been training with the first team despite being an under-23 player. However, he did not train on Thursday and has not done so on Friday either.
In any case, coach Ibai Gómez could repeat the lineup he fielded this weekend in the victory over the Andalusian side. Espiau was a substitute, while Manolache has not played this season, as expected, given that he is the third-choice goalkeeper.
EL POZUELO
It should also be taken into account that Real Zaragoza will be playing in an uncomfortable setting. El Pozuelo is a small, compact stadium with limited dimensions and room for barely 3,000 spectators in its stands. In addition, it will be hosting its first home match after two consecutive away games against Atlético Madrileño (2-2) and Real Madrid Castilla (2-0).
This is where Real Zaragoza will be seeking its second win of the season, which would also be its second in a row.
