The Elche team, having only secured one point out of a possible nine, is beginning to look at the standings with concern, although the locker room assures that nervousness has not set in. With the transfer market closed, all efforts are now focused on the competition, facing a demanding September schedule and aiming to make the Martínez Valero a fortress once again.
Coach Martín Anselmi will have to adjust the defense due to the departure of central defender David Affengruber to the English league. Kevin Lomónaco, a recent signing, is the natural replacement, but may not debut due to a lack of training, giving veteran Pedro Bigas the edge to start. Thomas Lemar, Roy Revivo, and Rubén Sánchez, other last-minute additions, are available to play.
The only injury absence for the green-and-white team is winger Yago de Santiago, who continues his recovery from knee surgery. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad arrives in Elche after a goalless draw against Celta, dominating the first half but fading in the second. The 'txuri-urdin' side is currently eleventh in the table with four points.
Pablo Marín has returned to training normally and could be included in the squad, while the only confirmed absence for Real is full-back Álvaro Odriozola due to a cruciate ligament injury. The match will be special for Héctor Fort, a defender on loan from Barcelona, who returns to his former club.
Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has almost the entire squad available, although he will not be able to call upon reserve team players as they have already played their match. The Elche – Real Sociedad game will take place at 9:30 PM at the Martínez Valero.
