Yago Santiago
ELC
Fit for Villarreal clash
Santiago is fit and available for Saturday's La Liga clash against Villarreal after recovering from knee surgery, according to coach Martin Anselmi. "No absences."
Analysis: Santiago has completed his recovery from the knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery in May, ending a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The winger resumed full team training Wednesday for the first time since undergoing the procedure, having previously been restricted to individual rehabilitation work. Anselmi's latest comments confirm that Santiago is now fit enough to return to competitive action, providing Elche with another attacking option ahead of Saturday's matchup against Villarreal. However, given his extended absence and limited time in full training, the winger could initially be eased back into the rotation rather than immediately handed a starting role.
Returns to training after knee injury
Santiago (knee) resumed full team training Wednesday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in May, according to Deportes COPE Elche.
Analysis: Santiago took a significant step in his recovery after spending several months sidelined following arthroscopic knee surgery. The winger had previously been limited to individual rehabilitation work but rejoined his teammates Wednesday after missing Tuesday's group session. Despite this progress, he has yet to receive medical clearance for competitive action, making his availability for Saturday's La Liga clash against Villarreal uncertain. His return to match fitness will likely require additional training sessions following his lengthy absence.
Remains sidelined from team training
Santiago remains sidelined from team training as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, with the midfielder the only player still working outside the group ahead of Sunday's clash against Celta Vigo, according to Ismael of Todo Alicante.
Analysis: Santiago has yet to rejoin his teammates despite making progress in his rehabilitation following arthroscopic knee surgery in May. The midfielder was recently spotted working individually on the grass with recovery coach Aitor Soler, but his continued absence from group sessions suggests he still needs more time before being cleared for competitive action. With nearly the entire Elche squad back in training, Santiago remains the main injury concern for coach Martin Anselmi, and his return timeline is still uncertain.
Works on grass
Santiago (knee) was spotted training on the grass Thursday, working individually alongside Elche recovery coach Aitor Soler, according to Deportes COPE.
Analysis: Santiago has been progressing well in his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery undergone back in May, with coach Martin Anselmi previously saying he hoped for a group reintegration within about a week. His move to outdoor work marks a positive step in that process, and his continued progress will be tracked as Elche's season continues.
Progressing well in recovery
Santiago is progressing well in his recovery but will miss the season opener against Deportivo La Coruna, with a possible reintegration into the group within a week, according to coach Martin Anselmi. "Yago Santiago is recovering from the injury, evolving very well. Hopefully in a week he can already be integrated with us and he'll keep progressing until he can do all the work on the pitch"
Analysis: Santiago underwent arthroscopic knee surgery back in May with the goal of being ready for this preseason, and this update points to steady progress even as his return to full training takes a bit longer than initially hoped. He finished last season with two tackles, an interception and five clearances across nine LaLiga appearances, mainly as a rotational option. Santiago is expected to continue his individual work before rejoining the group in the coming days.
Still training apart in recovery
Santiago (knee) still trains apart from the team as he continues his recovery, according to Javi Teruel of Diario AS.
Analysis: Santiago underwent arthroscopic knee surgery back in May with the goal of being ready for this preseason, and his continued individual work suggests his return to full training is taking a bit longer than initially hoped. He finished last season with two tackles, one interception and five clearances across nine La Liga appearances, mainly as a rotational option, and his path back to the group will be worth monitoring as Elche continues preseason preparations.
Knee surgery ends season
Santiago (knee) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Monday with the aim of resolving the discomfort he had been carrying and ensuring he is ready for pre-season next campaign, according to Deportes COPE Elche.
Analysis: Santiago had been managing knee discomfort for some time and the decision to operate now brings a definitive end to his season, with the club prioritizing having him fully fit and available from the start of the 2026/27 campaign. The midfielder has mainly operated as a rotational option for Elche this season, so his absence for the remaining fixtures has a limited impact on the starting lineup. Santiago ends the season with two tackles, one interception and five clearances in nine La Liga appearances (three starts).
Suffers knee discomfort
Santiago (knee) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Celta Vigo, according to coach Eder Sarabia. "Yago has some discomfort with his knee."
Analysis: Santiago has mainly operated as a rotational option for Elche this season, so his absence has a limited impact on the starting lineup. The club will assess his condition at the beginning of next week to see if he can resume the matchday squad.
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