Sevilla FC have recovered central defender Kike Salas and are hoping the international break will clear their treatment room before the league resumes. The academy graduate, who missed the last match against Barcelona as a precaution, is already training separately and is expected to rejoin the group on Tuesday.
The squad returned to training on Monday with a low-intensity session, without the internationals or the starters from the Barça clash. Manager García Plaza aims for this break to be key for the physical recovery of several important players. Kike Salas suffered a contusion at Riazor midweek, but the club has confirmed he has no serious injury and will resume his normal routine in the coming days.
Defensive situation
Salas's return is good news for a defence that has conceded nine goals in seven matchdays. The young centre-back has only missed two of the seven league games, one through suspension and the other due to that physical discomfort. His presence is vital for a team that, despite the 1-3 defeat to Barcelona, sits fifth with 13 points. The team is in good recent form, with three wins and a draw in their last five league matches.
Another name who could reappear soon is Marcao. The Brazilian defender, who suffered a serious injury last season and a right quadriceps edema this summer, has not worn the Sevilla shirt since early this year. García Plaza does not plan to give him heavy minutes immediately, but his progress is positive. The goal is for him to be able to contribute some minutes in the upcoming match against Levante.
Attacking absences
The break is also key for the attacking department. Winger Rubén Vargas is recovering from a knee injury that saw him miss Switzerland's call-up. The player, who already missed much of last season with various issues, has shown his focus with the group on social media. Meanwhile, forward Lucas Stassin will be out for two to three weeks with a myofascial injury to the right long adductor sustained at Riazor. His return could come in time for the match against Levante on October 12th, the opponent Sevilla visit in their next league fixture. All schedule information is available on our fixtures page.
García Plaza's team faces the final stretch of September aiming to consolidate their position in the upper part of the table. With Stassin's absence confirmed, the coaching staff trusts that the other recoveries will allow them to face the trip to Valencia with confidence, where Levante currently sit in 17th place.
The report in full is at ABC Deportes
