Córdoba arrives at the Almería match (this Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.) with the loss of Lapeña in the center of defense. an absence more than remarkable for Iván Ania’s team which loses one of its untouchable players to date. The Asturian coach will therefore have to recompose his defense and introduce other alternatives on the bench. Córdoba loses one of its pillars for one of the most complicated visits of the first round, facing a team in great shape whose value far exceeds that of the green and white team and which aspires to a promotion place.
Lapeña received his fifth yellow card in the match against Real Zaragoza at El Arcángel last Saturday. Already He arrived in Cádiz preparedbut it is ultimately at home that the player has completed his yellow cycle and will not be able to be in Almería. He will return against Sporting de Gijón next Sunday. Additionally, the team has two other qualified players: Genaro and Antonio Casaswho also received a yellow card against Real Zaragoza.
So far, Lapeña has played almost everything this season. 14 matches except one match lost for direct expulsion against Burgos. Now, Iván Ania will have to rebuild the defense, even though he doesn’t have many options. For his part, Wonderwhat was common in recent days, will once again repeat the departure. He can’t be consistent with multiple mistakes costing him goals, but he continues to be Iván Ania’s starter because his teammates can’t match his level or don’t have the same confidence.
The only real option to replace Lapeña is Martínez. The central defender’s role diminished as the season progressed. His physical problems prevent him from finishing a match in full condition. However, today he is the third defender and his possession is more than predictable. In his favor, he has experience in the category and could bring to the team that skill that Iván Ania lacks.
The impossible option (for the moment) is that of Matías Barboza. The central defender of the reserve team suffered a relapse following an injury during the match. King’s Cup against Olot when he had a better chance of regaining possession of the league. However, he did not reappear and his recovery times were not detailed by the club. An instant return to play in Almería seems more than unlikely. As a last resort, Iván Ania could even employ Xavi Sintes or Genaro in a position he knows.
