Sevilla FC returned to training on Tuesday with positive news from the treatment room as captain Kike Salas rejoined the group fully and winger Rubén Vargas began partial work. Luis García Plaza's side is using the international break to prepare for Friday's friendly against Aston Villa and the return of league action.
Kike Salas, who missed the last league match against Barcelona due to a knock on his right knee sustained at Deportivo La Coruña, is now training normally with the squad. The defender from Morón de la Frontera is a fundamental pillar at the back and his presence is key to García Plaza's plans. His swift recovery rules out a serious injury and allows him to face the coming weeks with confidence.
Vargas steps up rehabilitation
The situation for Rubén Vargas is different. The Swiss winger, who featured only briefly on the opening day, undertook partial work following a specific rehabilitation programme. Vargas has been managing discomfort in his knee which led him to seek specialist consultation, and he now enters a key phase to regain his best form. Manager Luis García Plaza has been clear about his importance to the team. "If we manage to recover the best version of Rubén, he has to be important for us," the coach explained recently. "He is a player we need."
Meanwhile, Lucas Stassin continues his recovery from a long adductor injury in his right leg which ruled him out of the Belgium under-21 squad. The striker, who had established himself as a starter, observed Tuesday's session but is not yet training on the pitch. The aim is for him to be available for the return to competitive action.
The squad is training without several players due to the international window. Odysseas Vlachodimos (Greece), Gabriel Suazo (Chile), Giorgio Kochorashvili (Georgia), Robbie Ure (Scotland) and Arouna Sangante (Senegal) are all away. Fran González, however, returned early from the Spain under-21 camp due to physical discomfort. This situation forces García Plaza to call upon several academy players, like Nico Guillén, for training and the upcoming friendly.
The first test comes this Friday, October 2nd, at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, where Sevilla will contest the XV Antonio Puerta Trophy against Unai Emery's Aston Villa. This match will serve as a tune-up for LaLiga's resumption. The next official fixture is on Monday, October 12th, in the eighth matchday, with a visit to Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia. The Nervionenses, positioned in mid-table, will look to pick up points on the road to climb the standings.
