Juan Cruz
MLA
Remains sidelined with hamstring injury
Cruz (hamstring) remains unavailable for Malaga's upcoming La Liga encounter against Alaves after being limited to individual training Thursday as he continues recovering from a muscular injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Cruz remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury that has prevented him from building momentum in the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign. The winger was restricted to individual work during Thursday's training session and has yet to resume full participation with his teammates, leaving him unavailable for the upcoming clash against Alaves. Cruz has recorded just 242 minutes of competitive action this season, with recurring fitness concerns limiting his opportunities to establish a consistent role in Malaga's attacking rotation. David Larrubia and Pablo Martinez should continue to benefit from additional playing time in his absence, with Martinez also retaining opportunities from set pieces. No definitive timetable has been established for Cruz's return, and he will need to make further progress in training before being considered for selection.
Training separately
Cruz (hamstring) was limited to individual work during Thursday's practice prior to the visit to Alaves, the club reported Thursday.
Analysis: Cruz remains doubtful but unlikely to record a lot of minutes in the next league contest. With just 242 minutes of play in the 2026/27 campaign, the winger has had a quiet stint, and muscular issues make it more difficult for him to gain momentum. On the other hand, David Larrubia and Pablo Martinez continue to benefit from playing time and, in Martinez's case, set pieces, which should remain the case until Cruz is ready to feature.
Ruled out after injury setback
Cruz (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's La Liga clash against Real Sociedad after suffering a setback in his recovery from a right hamstring injury, according to coach Juanfran Funes. "Juan has suffered a recurrence of his previous injury. We'll see how he progresses, but he won't be in the squad for this match."
Analysis: Cruz has experienced another setback in his recovery from a right hamstring injury, extending his absence from competitive action. The midfielder had been working toward a return following his initial injury but remained limited to gym treatment earlier this week after experiencing renewed discomfort. Manager Funes has now confirmed that Cruz will not be included in the squad against Real Sociedad, indicating that he still needs additional recovery time before resuming competitive action. The recurrence raises concerns about his rehabilitation progress, although the club has yet to establish an updated timeline for his return. Cruz will need to overcome the latest setback and resume team training before being considered for selection in upcoming fixtures.
Suffers setback in hamstring recovery
Cruz (hamstring) suffered a setback in his recovery from a right hamstring injury and remained limited to gym treatment Monday ahead of Sunday's clash against Real Sociedad, according to Radio Marca Malaga.
Analysis: Cruz has experienced a setback in his recovery from a right hamstring injury, preventing him from returning to team training. The midfielder remained in the gym Monday while continuing his rehabilitation, leaving his availability against Real Sociedad in doubt. No updated timeline has been provided for his return, and he will need to make further progress before being considered for selection.
Ruled out against Espanyol
Cruz (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Friday's match against Espanyol.
Analysis: Cruz had been a late fitness call after alternating between individual and team training, with coach Juanfran Funes admitting uncertainty over his readiness to start. His absence suggests he was unable to make sufficient progress to be cleared for the match despite returning to group work, extending his spell on the sidelines.
Late call for Espanyol clash
Cruz (undisclosed) remains a late fitness call for Friday's clash against Espanyol after alternating between individual and team training sessions, coach Juanfran Funes confirmed, per La Grada. "We don't know if he'll be ready for the start of the match. He's the one who's been cutting it closest."
Analysis: Cruz has made encouraging progress in his recovery after recently returning to group training, though he has yet to demonstrate that he's ready to handle a full competitive workload. The attacker has accumulated several sessions with his teammates, but Funes' latest comments suggest his availability remains uncertain ahead of Friday's matchup. Even if Cruz is cleared to feature, his limited preparation could leave him restricted to a bench role as Malaga look to avoid rushing him back into action.
Builds fitness in training
Cruz (undisclosed) completed his second consecutive session with the main group Tuesday as he continues to work his way back to full fitness, according to the club.
Analysis: Cruz has now stacked back-to-back sessions with the first team after previously being limited to work away from the group, providing another encouraging sign in his recovery. The attacker appears to be trending toward a return, though his exact workload in training remains unclear and his availability for Friday's clash with Espanyol has yet to be confirmed. His involvement over the remainder of the week should determine whether he's ready to make his comeback.
Steps up recovery
Cruz (undisclosed) began a gradual return to team training Monday as he continues his recovery, according to SUR Deporte.
Analysis: Cruz took a step forward after previously working away from the group and missing Thursday's friendly against Cordoba. The attacker isn't yet fully integrated into training, so his availability for Friday's clash against Espanyol remains uncertain. His involvement over the next few sessions should provide a clearer indication of whether he'll be ready to return.
Doesn't play in friendly
Cruz didn't play in Thursday's friendly match against Cordoba, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: The injury details are unclear, but it's concerning that Cruz couldn't play in a game where several non-regulars got minutes. With this latest development, it's unclear whether the attacking midfielder will be available to face Espanyol on Oct. 9 when the league campaign resumes.
Able to get assist
Cruz assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 3-1 loss versus Villarreal.
Analysis: Cruz created just one chance and his lone cross wasn't accurate but he did get an assist in Thursday's game. The midfielder will need more volume to help Malaga get past a Getafe defense which has only given up seven goals across six LaLiga games this season.
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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