García Pimienta recognizes that Ejuke’s loss accelerates the planning of the winter market: “I know that the club is moving”

García Pimienta classified Ejuke’s injury as “quite serious” while reporting that Suso’s period of absence will be between two and three weeks. He also acknowledged that a decision has not yet been made regarding whether the Nigerian will undergo surgery or not. «The sick leave time is approximate. It is a very serious injury. He has a smile on his face but is aware of the seriousness. Looking forward to the final decision being made and recovery beginning,” he added.

García Pimienta did not hide that now the winger position is more diminished: «It is a significant loss due to the player profile and the player he was. We are a little lame in that situation with Ejuke’s loss, Navas’ loss soon, Ocampos gone… We have to look. “I am calm because we have resources and people from the subsidiary who can also help, but obviously it is a position that is somewhat lame in terms of numbers.” At the same time, he acknowledged that he has already spoken with the sports management team led by Víctor Orta about a possible reinforcement in January. «Honestly, until Ejuke’s loss we had not thought much. I hope that Saúl will be, I don’t know, in about four weeks or not long with the group. I know that the club is moving towards incorporations or departures. “I know that the club is prepared,” he indicated.

Boat, Idumbo and Iheanacho

Stanis Idumbo Muzambo made his debut as a scorer on Sunday and is perceived as a possible replacement for Ejuke. García Pimienta evaluated the Belgian in the following way: «He is a first team player. He debuted with Girona, he participated with the reserve team and did very well and the other day he came out and did well. It’s ready. He is young, he is in the process of training. “We are not going to demand that he be differential, but he has very good conditions and is here to help us.”

Looking ahead to the match against Espanyol, García Pimienta acknowledged that some players may be adapted to positions in which they are less common: «If I had to give the lineup now it would be very clear. I want to wait until tomorrow, but yes, I am clear about how I want to start and the possible variations during the game. “I recognize that there are players who are not used to playing in some positions who can do so.”

One of those who change places on the mat does not seem to be Valentín Barco, whom García Pimienta assured that he continues to see as a left back although he acknowledged that due to his offensive characteristics he could end up occupying more advanced positions.

More is expected from the Argentine, as is a better version of Kelechi Iheanacho, a footballer in whom García Pimienta once again showed his confidence. «I am happy with him. The other day he was about to enter. He deserves to have more minutes. “I’m calm if he has to participate,” he said regarding the Nigerian striker.

Finally, regarding the central pair for the duel against Espanyol, he acknowledged having “doubts” “I think that the four (Badé, Nianzou, Marcao and Kike Salas) are performing at a maximum level. They are all prepared. I’m going to be fair to those who play and unfair to those who don’t. “I’m going to be calm because whoever plays is going to be prepared,” he commented.