Kike García
ESY
Resumes training on grass
Kike (hamstring) returned to individual training on the grass Thursday for the first time since undergoing surgery Aug. 5 on his right biceps femoris tendon, although he remains sidelined and has yet to resume team training, the club posted.
Analysis: Kike has been recovering from a serious hamstring injury sustained during preseason, with his initial recovery timeline estimated at three to four months following surgery. Thursday's return to field work represents an important milestone in his rehabilitation, but the veteran striker still has several stages to complete before rejoining his teammates and becoming available for selection. The 36-year-old recorded eight goals and one assist across 37 La Liga appearances last season, including 17 starts, establishing himself as an important attacking option for Espanyol. Roberto Fernandez and Alex Calatrava should continue benefiting from additional opportunities while Kike works toward his eventual return, with no updated timetable provided for his competitive comeback.
Receiving hamstring surgery
Kike is out for the next three to four months due to hamstring surgery, according to his club.
Analysis: Kike was forced off in the club's last friendly and will now miss time, as the veteran forward was diagnosed with a hamstring injury that needs surgery. This is a rough loss for the club as they will have to do without a starting forward for the first few months of the season, starting in 17 of his 37 appearances last campaign, while notching eight goals and one assist. That said, Roberto Fernandez and Alex Calatrava will likely see more time due to his absence.
Forced off in friendly
Kike was subbed off early in an offseason match versus Middlesbrough due to an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Kike barely had a chance to get involved in the action against his former club, as he picked up an apparent discomfort and left in the 16th minute. The veteran forward will need to be assessed to determine the extent of a possible absence two weeks before the start of the league season. If he's dealing with a muscular problem, his presence in the opening fixture against Levante will be unlikely, leaving Roberto Fernandez as the main choice to lead the front line.
Scores winning goal
Kike scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 win over Osasuna.
Analysis: Kike earned his recall to the starting lineup after three straight outings from the bench and justified the decision in the most decisive way possible, netting the winning goal to build on his midweek strike. The forward has now contributed eight goals across 36 appearances and 17 starts this campaign.
Adds late insurance goal
Kike scored a goal with his lone shot during Wednesday's 2-0 win over Athletic Club.
Analysis: Kike entered the match in the 84th minute and added a late insurance goal eight minutes into his appearance. The goal was the first since March for the forward as he's combined for two shots across 30 substitute minutes in his last three appearances.
Four shots Monday
Kike had four shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw against Levante.
Analysis: Kike got forward and took four shots Monday, putting two on goal, but failing to really trouble the goalkeeper with any of them. It was a poor offensive performance from both teams and a scoreless draw was a fair result on the balance of things. It's still a disappointing one for Kike, who would have expected to finish one of his chances.
Off-target in defeat
Kike registered four shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Thursday's 1-0 loss against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Kike led the the Espanyol attack Thursday four four shots (one on goal) but could not work the keeper in a 1-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano. After scoring in successive fixtures to begin March, the forward has averaged 2.8 shot attempts per appearance and gone scoreless across his most recent five appearances (four starts).
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