Fernando Calero
MLA
Makes first start with Malaga
Calero generated one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Friday's 1-1 draw versus Espanyol.
Analysis: Calero finally got his Malaga career under way with a first start against Espanyol, the club he left in the summer, and he took the place of Einar Galilea at the heart of the defence. The defender found the going tough in his individual battles and won just two of eight duels, but he contributed an interception, a block and two clearances in a draw. Having worked his way back from a rib problem, he looks likely to remain in the starting XI going forward.
Starts in friendly match
Calero (ribs) started in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Cordoba on Thursday, according to Merchan en Directo.
Analysis: Calero has yet to play this season due to a rib injury sustained in the preseason, but he was considered to be in the final stages of recovery before the break, so his involvement in this friendly is certainly positive. Now that he's healthy, the veteran defender should be a regular starter at center-back for Malaga moving forward, and he could make his season debut against his former team, Espanyol, on Friday, Oct. 9.
Still not ready
Calero (ribs) is still not ready to return to the matchday squad, according to coach Juanfran Funes. "He is in the final phase of his recovery process, he is in training, it's a very good moment for him to be ready when competition resumes."
Analysis: Calero had suffered a rib fracture back in preseason that was expected to sideline him for around a month, an injury that already cost him a significant stretch of Malaga's early season, including the LaLiga opener against Atletico Madrid. His continued absence extends that recovery, though coach Funes's comments suggest he is nearing the final stages before a return.
Out around a month
Calero suffered a rib fracture during Friday's friendly against Ceuta and will be out for around a month, according to Deportes COPE Malaga.
Analysis: Calero suffered a heavy blow to his side and was forced off in the second half, immediately raising concern among coach Juanfran Funes' staff. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for around a month, ruling him out of Wednesday's Trofeo Costa del Sol against Fulham as well as Malaga's LaLiga opener against Atletico Madrid on Aug. 19. He could also miss the following fixtures against Deportivo La Coruna on Aug. 24 and Real Madrid on Aug. 30. Alex Pastor is expected to step in at center back in his absence. Calero joined Malaga on a free transfer from Espanyol this summer as a key defensive reinforcement, making his absence a significant blow to Funes' plans at the back.
Exits friendly with injury
Calero exited Friday's friendly match against Ceuta with an apparent injury, according to Jairo Sanchez of 101TV.es.
Analysis: Calero exited the game with pain on the left side, though it's unclear whether he's dealing with a serious injury or not. Either way, expect Calero to ease up on his training workload in the coming days, as the goal is to have him fit and available for the season opener against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
Signs with Malaga
Calero signed with Malaga for the 2026-27 season, with an option for an additional year, the club announced.
Analysis: Calero came through Malaga's academy for five seasons before making 66 appearances with the reserve side, and later returned to Real Valladolid where he helped the club earn promotion to La Liga in his first season with the first team. The center back went on to spend seven seasons with Espanyol, winning promotion to the top flight twice during that stretch. He arrives with more than 140 La Liga appearances to his name after his contract with Espanyol expired. Calero is expected to bring experience and stability to Malaga's backline under coach Juanfran Funes.
Suspension over
Calero has cleared his one-game ban after Wednesday's match against Athletic Club.
Analysis: Calero made five straight starts prior to his absence in the midweek clash, so he should have a good chance to return in Clemens Riedel's place going forward. The experienced defender is averaging 4.7 clearances and 1.0 interceptions per game this campaign, but he lacks offensive upside in his center-back role.
Set for suspension
Calero is suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation.
Analysis: Calero suffered a fifth yellow card of the season Saturday and is now set for a ban, as the defender will miss the match against Athletic on Wednesday. He will then return to face Osasuna on May 17 with only one match to go after. He is a starter, so this will force a change, with Clemens Riedel as a likely replacement.
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