Angong, Alvarito and Artiles prepare for Castilla

The right-back Samu Vázquez is alone in Hércules' infirmary. The midfielder Artiles and the versatile Alvarito have overcome their muscle injuries and have been included in the squad to visit Real Madrid's reserve team this Saturday (21:30 hours). The Cameroonian pivot Franck Angong, Hércules' latest signing, also travels to the capital. He has undergone specialized training for two weeks to get in shape.

The three new additions to the blanquiazul squad will be substitutes against Castilla because Torrecilla has decided to continue with the starting eleven that began against Real Murcia in Hércules' best match of this league start. Thus, Sotillos will repeat as right-back to gain defensive solidity, so Josema will continue in the eleven alongside Montoro for the third consecutive match.

Both Alvarito and Artiles are very short on strength as they have barely done high-intensity work, so they will only get minutes in Madrid if absolutely necessary. Similarly, Angong is still a step below his teammates because he did not do preseason.

For his part, Samu Vázquez is scheduled to join group work next week and could be called up for the match at Rico Pérez against Antequera (Sunday at 19:30 hours). The right-back has not yet been able to debut and is counting the days to do so after a tumultuous summer in which he was recalled by Albacete but finally returned to Hércules because he was not given a place in the Second Division squad. Samu is expected to be untouchable on the right flank, although Torrecilla is delighted with Alvarito's and Sotillos' contributions in that position. The former has adapted very well; he is fast and offensive, while the latter is proving that he knows the right-back position perfectly and has a very necessary point of aggressiveness, especially for away games like this Saturday's against Castilla.

Rubén Torrecilla has insisted this week that relaxation can be Hércules' main enemy in Madrid: "If you boast in this category, they will quickly bring you down. We must keep our foot on the accelerator because Castilla has not won yet, but they have chosen players from Spain and other countries to be a great reserve team." The blanquiazul coach described Real Madrid's reserve team as a "quality and fast" team that plays "attacking football" and whose coach, Raúl González, has instilled "his competitive gene." Castilla has not won yet, which makes them especially dangerous.