Javi Puado
ESY
Named to bench
Puado (knee) is on the bench for Friday's match against Malaga.
Analysis: Puado was expected to return Friday and has made the team sheet, with the attacker on the bench to face Espanyol. This gives the attacker his first chance of time this season, having yet to play. He only played 10 matches last season due to injuries, so he will look to remain fit, still scoring two goals last campaign despite the minimal time on the field.
Available for Malaga clash
Puado (knee) is available for Friday's clash against Malaga after recovering from a torn ACL, though his playing time will depend on how he feels, according to coach Manolo Gonzalez. "We'll see how the game goes. I speak with Javi every day, and he's a very mature player who always tells you how he's feeling. Depending on that, he'll get minutes."
Analysis: Puado is finally in contention for his first competitive appearance since undergoing surgery on his right ACL in January. The forward was held out of last Friday's friendly against Ipswich as a precaution, but his recovery has now progressed enough for him to return to the squad. Given his lengthy absence, Puado is likely to begin against Malaga on the bench, with any minutes carefully managed as he gradually rebuilds match fitness.
Return pushed back
Puado (knee) did not feature in Friday's friendly against Ipswich despite initially being expected to make his return to action, according to AS.
Analysis: Puado continues to build his fitness in the final stages of his recovery from the torn right ACL that required surgery in January. Espanyol ultimately opted against giving the forward minutes against Ipswich, prioritizing caution rather than rushing his return after the lengthy absence. Puado could now potentially make his first appearance since the injury against Malaga on Oct. 9, though his involvement will depend on how he progresses in training over the coming days.
Could play in friendly match
Puado could feature in a friendly match against Ipswich Town on Friday as he targets a competitive return for the Malaga match on Oct. 9, according to Flavio Pace of GOL Digital.
Analysis: Puado has been trending in the right direction lately and has been working on the grass for a while now, leaving behind roughly nine months of recovery following an ACL injury. Espanyol will play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ipswich Town on Friday, and Puado is expected to get minutes, as that'll be the only semi-competitive chance to see whether he can play once the league campaign resumes. Once he's fit, Puado will compete for playing time with players such as Tyrhys Dolan, Bryan Zaragoza, Pere Milla and Jofre Carreras.
Close to return
Puado (knee) enters a decisive phase of his recovery during this international break, with the club targeting a possible reappearance against Malaga on Oct. 9, according to La Grada.
Analysis: Puado has been sidelined for more than eight months since tearing his right ACL against Levante on January 11, having begun working on the grass in late August before joining teammates in team training on Sept. 2. Coach Manolo Gonzalez has earmarked this break as the moment to increase his workload toward full team involvement, and while Malaga looks like the most logical venue for his return to a matchday squad, a gradual reintegration appears more likely than an immediate starting role given the competition he'll face from Roberto Fernandez, Tyrhys Dolan, Bryan Zaragoza, Pere Milla and Jofre Carreras.
Spotted running on grass
Puado (knee) was spotted running on grass with running shoes Thursday, according to the club.
Analysis: Puado's continued progression in his recovery from ACL surgery has included continuous running work and daily gym sessions, though he is not expected to be ready before around December. This latest sighting on the grass is another small step in that ongoing process, and his path back to full training remains a gradual one as Espanyol continues preseason preparations without its captain.
Aims December return
Puado is progressing in his recovery from ACL surgery, now doing continuous running work on the field alongside daily gym sessions, and does not expect to be ready before the month of December, according to La Grada Radio.
Analysis: Puado's recovery remains on schedule but he is deliberately avoiding a firm return date, preferring to come back only once he is fully ready to compete rather than rushing to reenter a squad list. The captain, who traveled with the team to preseason training in Navata despite not yet training at full intensity, emphasized the priority of avoiding any setback with the knee. His extended absence continues to be a significant blow for Espanyol, who will open the season without their captain and leading forward as they look to build a more stable campaign than last season's difficult second half.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare