Kike Salas
SEV
Makes 12 clearances
Salas made an interception, three tackles (winning all three) and 12 clearances during Monday's 3-3 draw with Levante.
Analysis: Salas was a part of the Sevilla back line that allowed htree goals Monday leading his side with his 12 clearancs. The defender has combined for three shots, seven tackles and 24 clearances over his last three starts.
Fully fit for Levante clash
Salas (undisclosed) is fully fit and available for Monday's La Liga clash against Levante after recovering from his recent injury, according to coach Luis Garcia. "Salas is 100% fit. If the Antonio Puerta Trophy, with all due respect, had been an official match, he might have played."
Analysis: Salas is ready to return to competitive action after missing Sevilla's last league match against Barcelona and the Antonio Puerta Trophy against Aston Villa. The defender used the extended international break to complete his recovery and should be in contention to reclaim his starting role against Levante. He had established himself as a key figure in Sevilla's defense before his absence, averaging a team-high 5.4 clearances per match. Andres Castrin and Arouna Sangante are expected to compete for the remaining center-back spot if Salas returns to the starting lineup.
Ready for action
Salas confirmed he's "back to 100 percent and ready to compete" during an interview with Onda Cero, where he also said "I had that discomfort and pain that kept me from playing, but I'm fully recovered now."
Analysis: Salas was absent in the last league game and then missed the Antonio Puerta Trophy against Aston Villa, but he took advantage of the extended international break to reach a complete recovery. This means the defender will likely be back as Sevilla's first-choice center-back, leaving Andres Castrin and Arouna Sangante to contend for the remaining spot in the defense. Prior to the issue, Salas was leading the squad with an average of 5.4 clearances per contest.
Won't play in Antonio Puerta Trophy
Salas has recovered from his knee injury but wasn't included in the squad to face Aston Villa in the Antonio Puerta Trophy on Friday.
Analysis: Salas is back in training and reportedly working with no limitations, but the defender wasn't included in the squad for the friendly match against Villa perhaps as a precautionary move. He's still on track to be available for the resumption of LaLiga against Levante on Monday, Oct. 12, though.
Returns to full training
Salas (knee) returned to full team training Tuesday after missing the match against Barcelona due to the injury, according to Diario de Sevilla.
Analysis: Salas has taken a significant step in his recovery after a knee issue sustained against Deportivo La Coruna forced him to miss the Barcelona clash. The defender is now training without restrictions and has plenty of time to build his fitness ahead of the Oct. 12 match against Levante. Salas had completed 90 minutes in each of his previous four appearances and should push to reclaim his place in central defense once cleared for competitive action.
Named to squad for Barcelona
Salas was included in the squad for Saturday's match against Barcelona.
Analysis: Salas' inclusion in the squad is a positive sign after he was dealing with a bruise ahead of the weekend. He has been a consistent presence in the starting XI and completed all 90 minutes in each of his last four appearances, bringing composure and reliability to the back line. His availability gives the team another option in central defense, with his ability to read the game and stay composed under pressure particularly valuable against Barcelona.
Either starts or misses out entirely
Salas (bruise) has a situation that is all or nothing ahead of Saturday's clash against Barcelona, according to coach Luis Plaza. "Maybe he's a starter or he won't even be on the bench. We'll test him."
Analysis: Salas trained on the grass Friday and appeared to move normally during the open portion of the session, an encouraging sign after not training with the group Thursday due to the contusion suffered in the recent win over Deportivo, a match in which he completed all 90 minutes as part of a run of four straight full matches. His path back into the lineup now hinges entirely on how he holds up in this final test, rather than a gradual reintegration.
Late call to face Barcelona
Salas suffered a contusion in Wednesday's win over Deportivo and will undergo a specific training regimen Friday to determine whether he'll be able to play Saturday against Barcelona.
Analysis: Salas played the full 90 in the win over Deportivo on Wednesday, but he had some issues and will be a late call for the matchup against a red-hot Barca team. Losing Salas would be huge, as he's logged the full 90 in each of Sevilla's last four matches while racking up 22 clearances, six tackles and two blocked shots en route to helping the team keep two clean sheets. If Salas doesn't play Saturday, expect Marcao or Fabio Cardoso to take his place in the XI as Arouna Sangante (ankle) is also expected to be sidelined.
Eligible again
Salas could play in upcoming fixtures, having served his one-game league ban in Saturday's match against Athletic.
Analysis: Salas will likely bounce back into a starting center-back spot, forcing either Arouna Sangante or Andres Castrin to return to a substitute role. If he avoids further disciplinary problems, Salas should be among his team's most reliable players in every defensive category and may also produce by winning aerial duels in both boxes.
Sent off Saturday
Salas was sent off in the second half of Saturday's game against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Salas was sent off with a straight red card after a harsh foul on Jorge De Frutos. This means Fabio Cardoso or Marcao (foot) could be in line to start at right-back when Sevilla take on Athletic Club on Aug. 22. If the ban doesn't get extended by the Disciplinary Committee, Salas should be in line to return against Atletico Madrid on Aug. 29.
Appears in practice match
Salas (quadriceps) played during the second half of Sunday's friendly game against Ceuta.
Analysis: Salas regained full fitness after dealing with a slight injury, so he should be ready to play in the league season kickoff. He was previously a regular starter at center-back, and that is unlikely to change in the upcoming competition, forcing Arouna Sangante and Fabio Cardoso to wait for opportunities on the bench.
Back in team training
Salas (quad) is back in team training Saturday, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Salas had missed Thursday's friendly against Cordoba CF due to minor quadriceps discomfort, a precautionary absence rather than a significant setback. His return to full training so soon after confirms the issue was minor, and he should be back in contention for Sevilla's upcoming matches as preseason continues.
Dealing with quad discomfort
Salas will not be available for Thursday's friendly against Cordoba CF due to minor quadriceps discomfort, the club posted.
Analysis: Salas had been training normally under coach Luis Plaza, and his absence is described as a precautionary measure rather than a significant setback. No specific recovery timeline has been provided, so his availability for upcoming sessions and friendlies will depend on how he responds over the coming days.
Scores in win
Kike Salas scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 victory versus Villarreal.
Analysis: Salas found the back of the net as part of Sevilla's comeback, though the defender likely was more impactful helping prevent Villarreal from scoring more goals after the early onslaught. Salas is likely to be more focused on the defensive side of the pitch against Real Madrid, a team with a +39 goal differential in La Liga play this season.
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