Sevilla’s Injury Woes and Hopeful Returns Ahead of Derby

Sevilla FC is currently in urgent need of good news, as they continue to face a series of setbacks. Recent reports confirm the worst fears regarding Adnan Januzaj and Rubén Vargas, both of whom are suffering from hamstring issues in their left thigh. Today, Gabriel Suazo has also been ruled out of the upcoming Sevilla derby due to a soleus injury in his left leg.

Consequently, these three players join Tanguy Nianzou in the treatment room, who is expected to be out for an extended period. Amidst this challenging situation, Sevilla has at least discovered a silver lining.

This Wednesday, César Azpilicueta successfully rejoined the rest of the squad after overcoming his own soleus injury in the right leg. The Navarrese defender had previously attempted to play against Atlético de Madrid but sustained his injury just hours leading up to the match against Osasuna. Following his return to training for continuous running last Sunday, Azpilicueta participated fully in this morning’s training session, gearing up for the clash against Betis.

During today’s training at the sports complex, Nemanja Gudelj engaged in gym work, while Nianzou, who is not expected to return until early 2026, was seen running continuously.

Azpilicueta has been a key starter for Sevilla whenever available. Before his injury in the first play against Mallorca, he had played every possible minute. “He is essential for us; he leads the team on the pitch. Coincidentally, whenever he is absent, we lose,” acknowledged his coach, Matías Almeyda. In the six matches he has played—excluding the encounter with Mallorca—the team has recorded three victories, one draw, and two losses, conceding six goals with him on the field, contrasted with 15 goals conceded during his absence.

The news of Azpilicueta’s return coincides with the inclusion of Alexis Sánchez and Lucien Agoumé, who have already seen minutes in Cornellà, as well as Fábio Cardoso and Isaac Romero, both of whom are poised to be included in the squad for the derby. Thus, Sevilla is gradually recovering some crucial players, particularly the two veterans, who are expected to help mitigate the significant injuries sustained in recent days.