The weekend's LaLiga action commences at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid, where Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo square off in what shapes up to be a compelling battle between two injury-riddled squads.
Goalkeeper Crisis Hits Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano must navigate without their first-choice goalkeeper Augusto Batalla until January 26 due to an undisclosed injury. Adding to their concerns, key offensive threats Raul de Tomas and Álvaro García remain questionable for the fixture, with García nursing a thigh complaint.
Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Daniel Cardenas
- Defense: Andrei Ratiu, Abdul Mumin, Florian Lejeune, Alfonso Espino
- Defensive Mid: Unai López, Óscar Valentín
- Attack: Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García
- Striker: Randy Nteka
Celta's Mounting Injury Woes
The visitors are grappling with a severe injury crisis that has decimated their squad. Talisman Iago Aspas is sidelined until February 9 with a calf injury, marking a significant blow to their offensive capabilities. The injury list continues to grow with several key players out of action:
- Tadeo Allende and Fer Lopez (projected return January 18)
- Jailson (groin injury)
- Mihailo Ristic (thigh injury)
- Javi Rodríguez (serving suspension until January 18)
The situation is further complicated by fitness doubts surrounding Anastasios Douvikas (mouth), Javier Manquillo (ankle), and Hugo Sotelo (knee).
Expected Lineup (3-4-3):
- GK: Vicente Guaita
- Defense: Javier Manquillo, Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso
- Midfield: Óscar Mingueza, Fran Beltrán, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Álvarez
- Attack: Pablo Durán, Borja Iglesias, Alfonso González
It's worth noting that league heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona, along with Athletic Club and Mallorca, will be absent from this weekend's LaLiga schedule due to their Spanish Super Cup commitments.
