Marash Kumbulla
RAY
Gets minutes with Albania
Kumbulla played 45 minutes across Albania's four matches during the international break, making his only appearance off the bench in a 3-0 win over San Marino.
Analysis: Kumbulla's 45-minute appearance provided another step in his return after recovering from an adductor injury, and he completed the international window without any reported setback. The center-back returns to Rayo Vallecano with a limited workload but also little competitive action, having yet to make his La Liga debut this season. He had returned to the matchday squad before the break and should provide another defensive option against Athletic, though a place on the bench appears more likely than an immediate starting role.
Makes bench vs. Real Madrid
Kumbulla (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Kumbulla was in a race against time to be available for this contest, and the center-back was included on the bench in the end. When healthy and at the peak of his match fitness, Kumbulla should add depth and potentially contend for playing time at the heart of the defense alongside Pathe Ciss and Florian Lejeune.
Late call against Real Madrid
Kumbulla (undisclosed) resumed team training this week and will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Real Madrid, according to coach Benat San Jose. "This is the first week he has trained with the group. There is another training session tomorrow. Depending on how he looks and how he feels, we'll see if he can be included in the squad. We are considering it."
Analysis: Kumbulla had previously been combining physiotherapy with on field training while still feeling some pain, with Pathe Ciss starting alongside Florian Lejeune in central defense during his absence. His inclusion in group training this week marks a positive step forward, and his potential involvement will depend on how he responds over the coming session.
Still managing lingering discomfort
Kumbulla is still feeling some pain and remains in a recovery phase, combining physiotherapy with on field training, according to coach Benat San Jose. "Kumbulla is still feeling some pain and is in a recovery phase, combining physiotherapy and on field training. We need to be patient with him."
Analysis: Kumbulla's recovery is continuing to be handled carefully as he works through the combination of treatment and training, with no clear timeline given for when he'll be fully available. Pathe Ciss is expected to start in central defense alongside Florian Lejeune in the meantime. Kumbulla is expected to remain sidelined until his discomfort has fully subsided and he's cleared for full team training.
Loaned to Rayo Vallecano
Kumbulla joined Rayo Vallecano on loan from Roma for the 2026-27 season, the club announced.
Analysis: Kumbulla had been one of Rayo's top targets this summer, with the club viewing him as the ideal option to strengthen central defense following the possible departure of Nobel Mendy. He spent last season on loan at Mallorca, gaining minutes in LaLiga and continuing to build experience in Spanish football. The Albania international is expected to serve as one of the key figures in Rayo's backline this season, with his experience and adaptability making him one of the club's most significant signings of the summer. Kumbulla is expected to compete for a starting role under coach Benat San Jose.
Returns to AS Roma
Kumbulla will return to parent club AS Roma following the conclusion of his loan spell at Mallorca, the club announced.
Analysis: Kumbulla joined the club last summer and made 10 appearances during his time at the club, providing defensive cover across the campaign. Mallorca thanked him for his professionalism and contribution during his loan spell as he prepares to return to Roma ahead of the new season.
Trains normally with team
Kumbulla (adductor) returned to team training Tuesday and is targeting a return for Friday's clash against Girona, according to Radio Marca Baleares.
Analysis: Kumbulla had been ruled out for the clash against Alaves after picking up a new adductor injury, making his swift return to collective sessions a more encouraging update than initially anticipated. The Albanian center-back has mainly been a bench option for Mallorca this season, so his return is primarily about restoring squad depth rather than shaking up the starting lineup, but every available body counts for a side still fighting to secure their top-flight status in the final stretch of the campaign.
Suffers new adductor injury
Kumbulla picked up a new adductor injury and is ruled out for the time being, the club posted.
Analysis: Kumbulla has been dealing with a series of physical setbacks throughout his time at Mallorca, and this latest adductor issue is another frustrating development for the Albanian center-back. His absence has a limited impact on the starting lineup given his bench role for the Bermellones this season, but losing yet another body in the squad is unwelcome news for a club still fighting to secure their top-flight status in the final stretch of the campaign.
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