Omar El Hilali
ESY
Clears suspension
El Hilali is no longer banned and could resume club play immediately after the international break.
Analysis: El Hilali will be expected to regain a starting spot on the right flank of a back four following Jose Angel Lopez's unimpressive performance in his place during Friday's loss to Elche. Prior to the ban, the Moroccan was coming off delivering his first assist of the campaign, and he had started all six La Liga games so far. He could be relied on for both crosses and defensive numbers whenever he's back on the pitch, although his team may continue to struggle to secure clean sheets.
Earns red card Tuesday
El Hilali received a straight red card in stoppage time of Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: El Hilali got sent off for a handball during the final minutes of an otherwise successful performance, with the defender delivering several crosses and winning most of his duels. He'll be suspended for the upcoming matchup versus Elche, and the lengthy international break means he won't be eligible for official club play until Oct. 9 against Malaga. He had just produced his first assist of the season in his previous start. With his positional rival Andoni Gorosabel (groin) struggling to regain fitness, Unai Nunez may be deployed at right-back while the Moroccan serves his ban.
Bags assist
El Hilali assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Osasuna. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 45th minute.
Analysis: El Hilal continues as Espanyol's No. 1 right-back, with the defender starting and playing 90 Saturday. He would also earn his first assist of the season, finding Roberto Fernandez in the 17th minute. This is his first goal contribution of the season, having only two all of last season in his 36 appearances.
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