Isi Palazón
RAY
Plays in friendly match
Palazon (strain) came off the bench in Saturday's friendly against Cagliari, according to Pasion por el Rayo.
Analysis: Palazon came off the bench in the Trofeo de Vallecas and logged 25 minutes off the bench. The playmaker should be in the mix for starter-level minutes with Rayo as their Liga campaign resumes against Athletic on Oct. 10.
Continues to work without setback
Palazon (strain) is fully integrated in Rayo's training sessions and remains a full participant since early in the second week of the international break, Nacho Herrero of PasionporelRayo.com reports.
Analysis: Palazon will have a good chance to bounce back into a starting role in the next La Liga match against Athletic, with the long international break giving him enough time to work in the final stage of his recovery. The attacker was sidelined for five league game weeks after failing to score or assist across 81 minutes of play in his first two appearances of the campaign. Oscar Valentin and Pedro Diaz will likely see their playing time reduced when Palazon is back on the field.
Trains fully with team
Palazon (strain) trained fully with the team in recent days, according to the club.
Analysis: Palazon had been gradually rejoining the group after the muscle injury suffered against Alaves, with coach Benat San Jose previously unable to give a firm return date but noting good progress. This full session now marks the culmination of that process, positioning the captain to reclaim his spot in the squad as the club approaches the return of LaLiga in about 10 days.
Gradually rejoining team training
Palazon (strain) can't yet be given a firm return date, according to coach Benat San Jose, per Union Rayo. "Right now I can't give a date, but it's true he's gradually joining the group, and that's very good news, he's a player with tremendous passion for football and wants to be out there helping the team, that eagerness excites all of us, but sometimes recovery processes take longer than we want, in this case it was necessary to wait a bit longer, he's a powerful player, with bursts, dribbles and a very aggressive shot, those kinds of players can take a little longer to come back from an injury, the most important thing is that when he returns it's with full confidence, he's made good progress this week and we'll see if during this break he can join the group at 100 percent."
Analysis: Palazon had recently been described as being in the final stretch of transitioning from physiotherapy to on field work, and manager San Jose's latest comments now suggest the international break could be the target for him to finally rejoin the group at full capacity, following the leg discomfort that forced him off early against Alaves.
Should train on grass soon
Palazon (strain) is in the final stretch of moving from physiotherapy work to on-field training, according to coach Benat San Jose. "He is in the final stages of transitioning from physiotherapy to on-field work, alternating between sessions with the physios and individual work on the pitch."
Analysis: Palazon had been forced off just 17 minutes into a recent match against Alaves after feeling discomfort in his left leg, and had been expected to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks. This update now offers an encouraging sign that his recovery is progressing toward a return, with his path back into the squad continuing to be tracked as Rayo Vallecano's season progresses.
Out at least two weeks
Palazon will not make Monday's match against Barcelona and will be out for at least two weeks, according to coach Benat San Jose, per Union Rayo. "Isi will be sidelined, at least a couple of weeks, he is recovering well from his muscle injury."
Analysis: Palazon had been forced off just 17 minutes into a recent match against Alaves after feeling discomfort in his left leg, and this confirmed timeline costs Rayo Vallecano its captain and one of its main attacking references for one of the season's most demanding fixtures. Randy Nteka figures to continue deputizing for him in the attacking midfield role during his absence.
Spotted in training
Palazon (strain) was shown in the background of a training picture posted by the club Thursday.
Analysis: Palazon appears to be recovered and taking part in group practice, though it remains to be seen if he's ready for meaningful minutes after being forced off in his last start on Aug. 20. If fully fit, the attacking midfielder will likely play a role in upcoming fixtures, limiting Randy Nteka to a substitute spot and sharing offensive responsibilities with Jorge De Frutos and Sergio Camello. In any case, Palazon is still looking for his first goal or assist of the season, recording one shot and tree crosses across 81 minutes of league play.
Exits with injury Thursday
Palazon exited Thursday's game against Alaves with a muscular injury in the first half.
Analysis: Palazon looked active in the opening 15 minutes of the match before departing, and further tests will be needed to determine the extent of the injury. Randy Nteka took his place in the lineup, and he could be among the candidates to earn a bigger role moving forward if Palazon is forced to miss time. Rayo's next match is against Barcelona on Monday, Aug. 31.
Eligible for season opener
Palazon will be allowed to play since the beginning of the 2026/27 season after the High Court of Justice of Madrid provisionally suspended his ban, per El Chiringuito.
Analysis: Palazon had yet to serve the last two of the seven La Liga games he was suspended for, but Rayo exhausted its avenues of appeal to enable the midfielder to take part in the opening matches of the campaign. He'll immediately regain his status as one of the squad's greatest offensive threats, potentially playing alongside Alvaro Garcia and Jorge De Frutos in a three-man attacking midfield, pushing Pedro Diaz to a bench spot. Last season wasn't Palazon's most productive period, but he managed to score three goals plus three assists across 31 league appearances (27 starts). Additionally, he has been the squad's top set-piece taker when available.
Seven-match ban ends season early
Palazon (suspension) was handed a seven-match ban by the RFEF, effectively ending his LaLiga season with five fixtures remaining, according to Marca.
Analysis: Palazon has been handed a one-match ban for yellow card accumulation, a two-match suspension for his dismissal and protests, and an additional four-match suspension for allegedly insulting referee Guzman Mansilla, who noted in his match report that the midfielder called him a "shameless person" during the match against Real Sociedad. The suspension is a significant blow for Rayo, as Palazon had been one of their most important creative outlets this season, with three goals and three assists in La Liga and a key role in their Conference League campaign. Pedro Diaz is expected to take on a larger role in attacking midfield during his absence, though replacing Palazon's output will be a difficult task for coach Inigo Perez in the final stretch of the season.
Will miss one game
Palazon will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of 10 yellow cards in La Liga.
Analysis: Palazon picked up his 10th yellow card in La Liga play and will serve a one-match suspension for Sunday's clash against Getafe. The attacking midfielder has been a regular starter in the midfield for Rayo this season, therefore his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Pedro Diaz likely getting a larger role during his absence.
Thrives in playmaker role
Isi Palazon recorded seven shots (three on goal), eight crosses (two accurate) and five corners in Thursday's 1-0 win against Espanyol.
Analysis: Isi Palazon was on the ball constantly Thursday, leading the Rayo Vallecano attack with seven shots (three on goal), eight crosses (two accurate) and five corners. The 90-minute appearance marks a return to the lineup for the veteran who did not appear in Rayo Vallecano's previous fixture following 16 successive appearances (14 starts).
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