Sevilla’s Defensive Challenges Ahead of Match Against Espanyol

Matías Almeyda is facing considerable challenges with Sevilla’s defense this season. Despite having a robust lineup of six central defenders (César Azpilicueta, Fábio Cardoso, Kike Salas, Marcao, Tanguy Nianzou, Ramón Martínez), along with the possibility of including youth player Andrés Castrín and others like José Ángel Carmona or Nemanja Gudelj, the team has encountered significant injury issues, with as many as ten injuries recorded this season. The latest injuries cast doubt on the defensive lineup ahead of the upcoming match against Espanyol.

Currently, Sevilla is contending with four injured central defenders. Both Cardoso and Azpilicueta are suffering from soleus muscle injuries in their left and right legs, respectively, and they are aiming to return by the end of the month in time for the crucial Gran Derbi against Betis. Additionally, Marcao and Nianzou have recently joined the injury list. Marcao is dealing with a bone contusion in his left ankle and hopes to rejoin the team this week, although his participation against Espanyol remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Nianzou has sustained a hamstring injury and is expected to be unavailable for at least six weeks.

As it stands, Sevilla will have only two first-team defenders available for the match against Espanyol: Kike Salas and Ramón Martínez. Salas began the season strongly but has since seen limited playing time, while Martínez has logged the fewest minutes among defenders this season. Andrés Castrín is expected to be reintegrated into the squad, having played more matches with the first team (6 games) than with Sevilla Atlético (3 games) in recent weeks.

Alternative options for the central defense are not ideal. Carmona, who has previously played in that position during a three-man defense—most notably against Osasuna—will be unavailable due to suspension from accumulated yellow cards. Gudelj is another potential candidate, although he will return from international duty with Serbia just before the match. Consequently, it is likely that Sevilla will field a defense that resembles their initial setup at the start of the season.