Juan Cruz
MLA
Returns to action Wednesday
Cruz (leg) played the final 12 minutes of Wednesday's friendly game versus Fulham, per the team's official website.
Analysis: Cruz has completed his recovery from the injury that limited him over the past few weeks, and he may now push for an increased role on the left flank, offering ability to produce in both attack and defense. His likeliest position at this moment is on the wing, but he faces a competition with Joaquin Munoz. Last season, Cruz racked up three goals plus three assists across 39 appearances (35 starts) for Leganes in La Liga 2.
Rejoins group training
Cruz has rejoined group training after recovering from the muscle injury that had kept him out in recent days, according to La Opinion De Malaga.
Analysis: Cruz had gradually built up his workload before this full return, strengthening coach Juanfran Funes' options heading into the final stretch of preseason. The forward's involvement is a positive sign as Malaga prepares for the Trofeo Costa del Sol against Fulham on Wednesday at La Rosaleda. Cruz is expected to continue building toward full match fitness as preseason wraps up.
Doesn't train Tuesday
Cruz (leg) didn't train Tuesday and is uncertain to be available for the upcoming friendlies before the season opener against Atletico Madrid on Aug. 19, according to Jorge Cabrera of Diario AS.
Analysis: Cruz was spotted in training Monday but wasn't with the rest of the team Tuesday. Malaga will play Al Arabi (Aug. 6), Ceuta (Aug. 7) and Fulham (Aug. 12) before opening the season against Atletico Madrid on Aug. 19. At this point, it's unclear whether Cruz will be an option for any of the upcoming friendlies.
Trains partially Monday
Cruz (leg) did a partial training session split between the gym and the pitch as Malaga resumed activity Monday ahead of the club's training camp in Estepona, according to the club.
Analysis: Cruz had asked to be substituted after clutching the back of his leg during the friendly against Al-Ittihad, and this mixed session marks his first step back after that scare. He had been one of Malaga's more influential attacking presences before the discomfort forced him off, and his continued progression will be worth tracking as the club heads into its Estepona camp.
Forced off with leg discomfort
Cruz asked to be substituted after 20 minutes of second half action in Thursday's 2-2 friendly draw against Al-Ittihad after clutching the back of his leg, according to Rafa Alcaraz of Merchan en Directo.
Analysis: Cruz had been one of Malaga's more influential attacking presences in the match, showing more polish than in his previous appearance against Leicester City and playing a role in the build up to Malaga's second goal before the discomfort forced him off. No official medical update has been provided yet, and the substitution appears to be a precautionary measure common in preseason, though his progression over the coming sessions will determine the full scope of the issue.
Completes Malaga loan
Cruz has joined Malaga on a season-long loan deal from Leganes, his new club announced Sunday.
Analysis: Cruz returns to Malaga after a five-year spell in which he played for Betis Deportivo and Leganes. The deal includes a buy clause that can be exercised at any point before the end of the 2026/27 campaign. Cruz has made 46 LaLiga appearances in his career but has played most of his career in the Spanish Segunda. He should hold a rotation role in the attacking line.
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