At a key moment of the course, Garitano is emptying the infirmary. One of the players who had been in it the longest was José Rios Reina. Since his last game on September 2 in Leganés, the left-back has suffered problems with the patellar tendon in his right knee. A complex and slow recovery that took him away from the green with no return date. Finally, the Andalusian winger joined the cause again in the cup match against Las Rozas. A party in which also Chema participated again. The ex of Getafe, with continuous ins and outs of the calls due to injuries, had not played since September 12. Two recoveries that seem important to release the load of minutes from a defense that is highly demanded by injuries.
Beyond the competition typical of elite football, the Eibar defense appreciates the contribution of two missing players during the last two months of competition. On the left side, Imanol García de Albéniz has had to give the chest to make up for the absence of Ríos Reina. The eleven consecutive starts, complete games in the vast majority, have meant a great physical effort for the young defender. In the demarcation of central office they have also had to suffer setbacks in the form of injuries that have forced Nolaskoain, Róber or Sergio Álvarez to occupy that place. Not only Chema, but also Berrocal, Arbilla and Venancio have been casualties on different days, rarely coinciding more than two pure centrals available in the calls.
LaLiga SmartBank 2022/2023
*Data updated as of November 15, 2022
Garitano thus has his entire defense with the exception of captain Arbilla who is finishing his recovery. More alternatives to make an eleven that has generated numerous headaches in recent times. They also arrive at an unbeatable moment. With the team plunged into a positive dynamics of results and a transcendental Basque derby just around the corner. The calendar until the end of the year awaits Eibar more commitments against rivals from the noble zone such as Cartagena, Huesca, Burgos or Levante.