Squad news
REPEATING THE LINEUP
14 May 2009
Lotina is ready to repeat the squad that defeated Recreativo on the past weekend, Lassad is not totally fit and will wait until today’s session n order to know if he will enter into the list for the game. Bodipo is already recovered.
Only one day left for the clash against Getafe and it’s very clear that Lotina is intending to repeat the lineup of the last game in liga. On Thursday the squad worked at the gym and the Basque manager left clear what are his plans for the occasion. Lassad Nouioui wasn’t able to complete the session, he still struggling with a muscular contracture and just worked during the first part of the training.
It will be necessary to wait until today’s session in order to know if the Tunisian striker will enter into the list of picked player ahead of the match, but what’s clear now is that he won’t be a starter. Neither Diego Colotto who will probably be sited on the bench as Alberto Lopo is consolidating his position at the centre of the defence alongside Portuguese Z?� Castro.
Manuel Pablo and Filipe Luis will probable continue covering the sides, while Sergio and Juan Rodriguez will perform at midfield. Andr?�s Guardado will play on the left wing and Pablo Alvarez on the right. Finally, Rodolfo Bodipo, who already surpassed a thigh problem, will be the lonely attacker.
Mista (pubalgy) and Antonio Tom??s (hamstring strain) are already training with the rest of the squad, but it’s too soon for them in order to return to normal competition, therefore they won’t be part of the list for the clash against the Madrilenians.
It will be a special game for Riki; the Madrilenian attacker will face the club in which he debuted at Primera Divisi??n. He talked to reporters after the training and was complaining, but at the same time admitting, his role as �?substitute’ during the season, "The coach hasn't giving men a plus of confidence after my injuries, though I must admit the other strikers have seized their chances. I wish to play more often, when I have been a starter, due the injuries and other things, I have been removed from the starting eleven and it has been hard to return. The coach prefers to use me in the second halves, and we must respect that."
He was also seeing with good eyes the Europeans options of Deportivo, "We have the possibility of the Champions League and it is an incentive to compete at the maximum level, but we must go step by step. We are proud to see the team where it is. The possibilities are there and until the last day, we won’t know who is going to Europe. Sunday's victory gave to Getafe a breather, but we’re in a great moment and I’m looking for a victory of Deportivo. Getafe will be saved in the last two matchdays. They aren’t making the football we were used to see."
At Getafe, the news of the day was related to Esteban Granero. He was suspended for this game after picking the fifth yellow card of the season as he simulated a penalty in the game against Osasuna. On Tuesday the Competition Committee confirmed the sanction, but yesterday, La Liga Appeals Committee lifted the yellow card that the midfielder saw in the confrontation against the Navarrans, therefore �?The Pirate’ is now able to face Deportivo.
But who is already discarded for the game is Jaime Gavil??n, the midfielder has a muscular problem on his right thigh and coach Michel already said he is out, while Juan ?�ngel Alb?�n is still doubtful due to a knee problem. Meanwhile, midfielder Fabio Celestini, who is already fit after surpassing a ligament injury in the knee, will be a starter at the Riazor, something that was confirmed by the same Michel.