Ilias Akhomach
RAY
Misses training with physical discomfort
Akhomach (undisclosed) missed Villarreal's training session Monday after finishing Saturday's 2-1 La Liga defeat against Alaves with physical discomfort, raising doubts about his availability for Tuesday's Copa del Rey clash against Manacor, according to A Punt Esports.
Analysis: Akhomach has emerged as a regular option in Villarreal's attacking rotation, starting each of his last five La Liga appearances and contributing two assists during that stretch. The Moroccan winger played 65 minutes against Alaves on Saturday, recording two shots (none on target), two chances created and seven crosses (two accurate), but reportedly finished the match with physical discomfort. His absence from Monday's training session raises concerns about his availability for the midweek cup fixture, particularly after he also dealt with muscular problems during September's international break. Those earlier issues had appeared to be behind him, but it remains unclear whether his latest discomfort is related or represents a separate problem.
Starts on Saturday
Akhomach registered four shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Elche.
Analysis: Akhomach recorded 21 passes, completed four dribbles and made an interception before being replaced in the 75th minute. He has now assisted two times in the last four games and he has started all those four games.
Fine and already training
Akhomach has returned to Villarreal in good condition with no physical concerns affecting his availability and is already back in training, according to Javi Mata of Diario AS.
Analysis: Akhomach's absence from Morocco's final two matches had raised some concerns, with reports suggesting a muscular issue was behind his absence. He logged 28 minutes in the 2-0 win over Gabon before remaining on the bench against Lesotho and sitting out the friendly against Mali, but he has returned to Villarreal with a clean bill of health. The winger had been carving out a larger role before the international break, recording assists in back-to-back matches, including the 3-1 win over Levante, while adding three shots, four chances created and nine crosses over his last three appearances, putting him firmly in contention for Saturday's trip to Real Madrid.
Returns early with muscular problems
Akhomach (undisclosed) has returned early to Villarreal from Morocco's camp with muscular problems after playing 28 minutes in the win over Gabon, logging zero minutes against Lesotho and missing the friendly against Mali, according to Ismael Mateu of El Periodico Mediterraneo.
Analysis: Akhomach had been carving out a bigger role in Villarreal's plans, with an assist in the 3-1 win over Levante giving him helpers in back-to-back matches. He's produced three shots, four chances created and nine crosses over his last three appearances, making his status worth monitoring ahead of Saturday's clash at Real Madrid.
Assists in two straight
Akhomach had an assist while taking an off target shot, crossing five times inaccurately and creating two chances during Sunday's 3-1 win over Levante.
Analysis: Akhomach set up Alberto Moleiro in the 54th minute assisting Villarreal's second goal while finishing with the second most crosses and chances created on the team. The attacker has assists in two straight matches while combining for three shots, four chances created and nine crosses over his last three appearances.
Generates an assist
Akhomach assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 3-1 victory versus Malaga. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
Analysis: Akhomach did his part with four crosses and two corners but he was somewhat fortunate to get credited with an assist as he didn't have great efficiency. If he can be slightly more on point, he could do some major damage against a Levante side which has already conceded nine goals in this season's LaLiga campaign.
Returns to Villarreal
Akhomach has returned to Villarreal from his loan with Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Akhomach is back in Villarrreal following a half-season loan with Rayo. This comes after there was no option to buy the forward, as he just renewed with Villarreal until 2028 before heading out on loan. He earned one assist in 11 appearances (seven starts) with Rayo, proving he has some decent skill, although it may not be enough for time with his parent club.
Trains fully, option for final
Akhomach (adductor) returned to full team training this week and will be an option for Wednesday's Conference League final, according to Carlos Ganga Galiana of Tiempo de Juego.
Analysis: Akhomach had been ruled out of Saturday's La Liga season finale against Alaves, but his progression to full collective sessions is a timely boost for Rayo Vallecano heading into the biggest fixture in the club's recent history. The Moroccan winger was not called up by Morocco for the World Cup, making the Conference League final the last opportunity of his season to make an impact, giving him extra motivation to prove his fitness for the showpiece occasion. The club will make a final call on his involvement after assessing how he comes through the remaining sessions before Wednesday's kickoff.
Late call for final game
Akhomach (adductor) is a late call for Saturday's season finale against Alaves, according to coach Inigo Perez, per Union Rayo Live. "Ilias is going more slowly, let's hope he's ready for the final."
Analysis: Akhomach had been sidelined after suffering a setback from his left adductor injury, and the club will make a final call on his involvement after assessing his condition ahead of Saturday's kickoff. Fran Perez is expected to start if Akhomach cannot be cleared in time for Rayo's season finale against Alaves.
Picks up adductor injury
Akhomach was unable to feature in Thursday's Conference League semifinals matchup against Strasbourg after feeling a left adductor discomfort during warmups, Sergio Rodriguez of Marca reports.
Analysis: Akhomach was a last-minute absence for the crucial European clash and is now at risk of missing subsequent fixtures. However, the full extent of the issue has yet to be confirmed by the club. Pacha Espino played in his place Thursday, but Fran Perez could be a more direct replacement option if the Morocco international is forced to stay out of the next games.
key assist in win
Akhomach assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-0 win over Espanyol.
Analysis: Akhomach made the key pass Thursday to setup the fixture's lone goal in Rayo Vallecano's 1-0 triumph over Espanyol. In addition to his goal contribution, the substitute added two clearances to the defensive effort across his 32 minutes of play. The assist marked Akhomach's first La Liga goal contribution across 19 appearances (eight starts) between Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano.
Fit for bench
Akhomach (ankle) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Espanyol.
Analysis: Akhomach is no longer injured and has avoided an absence due to ankle pain, with the forward listed to the bench. However, he did start their last match, potentially still dealing with some drawbacks that leave him on the bench. He will look to see time to test his legs and potentially return to that spot next contest, starting in six of his nine contests with the club, but still without a goal contribution for Rayo.
Suffering from ankle pain
Akhomach is questionable for Thursday's match against Espanyol due to ankle pain, according to manager Inigo Perez. "We have Ilias' ankle. We have to be cautious because we are going to need him."
Analysis: Akhomach is an addition to the injury list, as the forward is dealing with an ankle injury that leaves his status in limbo. He enters Thursday, appearing to be questionable, but with the club cautious about his injury, he could very well be left out. He has started in six of his nine appearances with the club, so this could signify a rough loss. If he were to miss out, Jorge De Frutos will likely move to the right wing while either Alemao or Sergio Camello starts at forward.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare