Ilias Akhomach
RAYTrains 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.
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