Papu Gómez did not travel with Argentina due to injury but he must be one of the men that Sevilla recovers during this international break after being injured against Betis, on February 27. The Argentine midfielder was having a great derby when a muscular problem forced Lopetegui to withdraw him from the field in the 30th minute. He was expected to return even sooner and could perhaps reach the second leg against West Ham, but we will have to wait a little longer.
The return of the Sarandí player seems fundamental for a Sevilla that without him he has not won again in LaLiga (three draws, two of them to zero) and has been eliminated by West Ham in the round of 16 of the Europa League. A year after arriving from Atalanta, Papu was already showing his best version, that of a differential footballer, with several stellar performances and an important numerical contribution. In the European round of 32 first leg against Dinamo Zagreb had in fact given two assists, to add to his decisive pass against Espanyol and the goals against Barcelona, Celta and Elche, all since the end of December.
LaLiga Santander
*Data updated as of March 22, 2022
In addition to the fatigue and many other crucial casualties, Sevilla has accused certain papudependence during these weeks who has had to play without the Argentine midfielder. With his sights set on his return to the group these days, along with other teammates who had been starting, Lopetegui hopes to recover the most reliable version, especially in attack of an exhausted Sevilla and with very little fluidity and creativity. Papu Gómez must give air to the Nervionian offense.
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