The Córdoba CF squad is severely affected by a wave of injuries and suspensions for Sunday's match at Ipurua against Eibar. Coach Iván Ania has confirmed a total of nine absences, including key players such as Albarrán, Trilli, Rubén Alves, Xavi Sintes, Alberto del Moral, Fomeyem, and Adilson Mendes. These are added to the suspensions of Carracedo and Requena. Despite the additions of Adri Fuentes and Percan, the defensive line is critically depleted.
Iván Ania detailed the injury situation, confirming that Rubén Alves and Xavi Sintes join the long-term injured list along with Fomeyem, in addition to Albarrán, Trilli, and Del Moral. The absence of the Balearic center-back, who had been Albarrán's replacement, led to the decision that "it is better for him to stop now and resolve it as soon as possible," according to the coach.
Given the shortage of players, Córdoba CF will once again call upon reserve team players to complete the squad. Defenders Dani García, Ángel Rodríguez, and Javi Antras will have the opportunity to debut with the first team, following in the footsteps of Marcelo Timorán and Albuera, who have already featured this season.
The coach acknowledged the need to "reconvert a player to that central defender position" due to the defensive problems. Álex Martín is the only natural center-back available, so Ania is clear about who his partner will be, seeking a solution that benefits both the team's attack and defense.
Among the options for the heart of the defense is the possibility of midfielder Isma Ruiz playing as a center-back, or Vilarrasa occupying the left-sided center-back role. On the left flank, Juan María Alcedo or Diego Bri could be alternatives, while on the right, Ángel Rodríguez or Dani García have their opportunity. Jacobo, without Carracedo, might move further forward.
Regarding Álex Martín's accumulated yellow cards, with four cautions, Ania preferred not to consider the suspension cycle for the next match against Huesca, highlighting the player's ability to maintain a high level without receiving a fifth yellow card for "nearly a full round or even more".
The team faces the match at Ipurua "with less tension" due to the absence of playoff aspirations and the local fair coinciding with the game. However, Ania stressed the importance of "competing" against an Eibar team fighting for promotion and known for being "very solid at home".
The Asturian coach described Eibar as a team "very solid at home, with many victories and very few defeats," which is key to their league position. He noted that the "mental situation of the two teams is different" and that they will aim to "be as competitive as possible and go with the intention of winning the match."
Ania also described the characteristics of the Ipurua pitch, "a complicated ground because it has some special dimensions and the stands are very close." He warned about the tendency for crosses from wide areas and the density of players in central zones, urging careful management of these particularities.
Despite never having achieved a victory at Ipurua, Córdoba CF will attempt to "be the first team" to secure a win at Eibar's stadium.
