Mario García and Artiles Headed for Hércules Starting Eleven

Rubén Torrecilla will not be able to maintain the midfield combination that worked like clockwork against Fuenlabrada. The Hércules coach paired the local Mangada with the indispensable Colomina last Sunday to improve ball distribution at Rico Pérez, and the game plan was executed flawlessly. The team played better, more fluidly, and also worked hard. However, this strategy cannot be repeated for the upcoming visit to Sevilla Atlético.

Colomina received his fifth yellow card and must serve a suspension, while Mangada requested a substitution due to muscle discomfort in the hamstring area, which does not bode well. The inactivity took its toll on the local player, as it had been almost three months since he last started. The physical demands of the match, his motivation, and the heat led to an overexertion that will likely result in a minor tear. The club is hopeful that the injury is minor and that he will only need to rest for one or two weeks at most.

Meanwhile, Colomina's absence is significant for Torrecilla. The Catalan pivot has played in every match this season, starting in 23 out of 24. Renewed until 2028 amidst interest from various clubs, Colomina continues to grow, showing personality and leadership to be a key player in the Primera RFEF and knocking on the doors of professional football. His presence in front of the defence is crucial for ball distribution and he also has a lot of work to do.

The absences of Colomina and Mangada open the doors wide for Mario García and Artiles to join the starting eleven, as there are no other alternatives for Sevilla. Franck Angong left for Zaragoza B in the winter market, and Hércules unsuccessfully negotiated the transfer of pivot Ben Hamed from Amorebieta, an operation they will attempt again in the summer.

For the match against Sevilla's reserve team, Torrecilla hopes to have defender Abraham del Moral back, who has been absent from the squad since receiving nine stitches in his knee during the Marbella match due to a cut. Additionally, forward Dani Romera is available again and will compete for a spot in the starting eleven with Agus Coscia.

The Extremaduran coach rewarded the squad with two days off following their convincing victory over Fuenlabrada and will return to work with the likely absences of Nico Espinosa and Mangada, who are undergoing MRI scans this Tuesday to determine the exact nature of their injuries.