Iván Balliu
RAY
Back in contention after ankle issue
Balliu has recovered from his ankle injury and is fit for Saturday's La Liga matchup against Athletic Club, according to the club.
Analysis: Balliu had been training separately from the squad due to a lingering ankle issue that also forced him to miss Rayo Vallecano's recent friendly against Cagliari. However, the right-back has now been cleared for selection, providing Rayo with an additional defensive option ahead of Saturday's matchup. Given his recent fitness concerns and limited preparation with the rest of the squad, Balliu could initially be restricted to a substitute role as he works his way back to full match fitness.
Still sidelined with ankle injury
Balliu (ankle) remains out for Saturday's La Liga clash against Athletic Club as he continues to train separately from the squad due to lingering ankle discomfort, the club posted.
Analysis: Balliu has yet to fully recover from the ankle issue that kept him out of Rayo Vallecano's recent friendly against Cagliari, with the right-back still working individually rather than participating in team training. His continued absence from group sessions rules him out of Saturday's matchup against Athletic Club, although no timetable for his return has been established. Balliu will need to make further progress in his recovery before being cleared to resume full training and compete for playing time on the right side of Rayo's defense.
Doesn't play in friendly
Balliu (ankle) wasn't in the squad for Saturday's friendly against Cagliari, according to Pasion por el Rayo.
Analysis: Balliu was spotted in warm-ups ahead of this game, but the right-back didn't play, and he was one of three defenders out for this contest alongside Luiz Felipe (hamstring) and Adria Pedrosa (undisclosed). Balliu has been training in recent days, though, and he should remain an option to face Athletic Club on Oct. 10 when the LaLiga campaign resumes.
Dealing with ankle discomfort
Balliu has not been training with the group the past few days due to ankle discomfort, according to Union Rayo.
Analysis: Balliu has not been training with the group due to injury and now will not travel for a friendly during the break, as the defender is dealing with ankle discomfort. His recovery process has not been followed too closely, leaving his availability after the break up in the air. The good news is he has mainly served as a depth option, so it wouldn't be a major loss, only starting in two of his six appearances this season.
Available off bench
Balliu (ankle) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Balliu is an option off the bench for this contest, as he seems to have recovered enough from a harsh tackle he suffered in the previous match against Racing Santander. Balliu is expected to be an option off the bench in most games as long as Andrei Ratiu remains available.
Battling to be ready
Balliu suffered a very strong tackle against Racing and has a battered ankle, but is doing everything to be ready for Saturday's clash against Real Madrid, according to coach Benat San Jose. "Ivan was on the receiving end of a very heavy tackle against Racing and has a battered ankle, but he is a very gritty player and is doing everything he can to be ready in time."
Analysis: Balliu has made three LaLiga appearances this season, playing 195 minutes without a goal or assist for Rayo Vallecano, and this ankle issue is a concerning development to monitor ahead of the match against Real Madrid. His fighting attitude gives some hope he could still be involved, though his availability will ultimately depend on how the ankle responds in the coming hours.
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