The return of captain Javi Puado
The Perica fans are impatient to see their captain back on the pitch: Javi Puado is getting closer and closer to returning. With the team just two points above the relegation zone, every bit of help counts, and Manolo González knows that. That said, it will be with heavy feet. There are no surplus goals in the Espanyol, and the coach knows that one of his main attacking weapons is about to make its comeback. Puado is already working back into the team's dynamics, a very positive development for the Perica side and for a fanbase that is eagerly awaiting the return of its captain.
RCD Espanyol
Javi Puado1.360.000€+50.000€-
DLHe looks like a veteran, but he is only 28 years old and wants to prove he can become one of LaLiga's 'autumn signings'. It's been just a week since he rejoined the rhythm of his teammates, and everything points to him coming back with even more motivation than ever.
It all began in October 2025, when he suffered an injury to the lateral external ligament of his right knee. It wasn't one of the most serious injuries a footballer can suffer, but it forced him to stay away from the playing fields for close to three months and miss nine matches.
During that period, the Espanyol really felt the absence of their captain. Not only for what he contributed on the pitch, but also for his weight in the dressing room. The team lost one of its great leaders, and the results also didn't go their way while he was out.
However, the hardest blow was still to come.
In January 2026, Javi returned to a squad list to visit the Ciutat de València. He wasn't in the starting XI, but Manolo González decided to give him minutes in the match against the Levante UD.
The excitement of the Perica fans to see their captain back on the pitch lasted very little. In a bit of fortune, the same knee brought bad news again: rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Bad luck seemed to have singled him out.
Those images of pain and concern have now, several months later, turned into hope. Javi is back, he's already working again with his teammates, and he could practically become a new signing for Espanyol in this stretch of the season.
In fantasy terms, we believe we're looking at a very interesting market opportunity. His price could still be attractive after so many months away, and although his return will be gradual, the potential is there.
You shouldn't expect him to play 90 minutes from day one. After such a major injury, he will need to recover match rhythm, confidence, and sensations, but if his progress continues to be positive, he can gradually win more prominence until he becomes an important part of the Perica attack again.
That's why our recommendation is clear: it could be a good time to get his services before his value starts to rise.
There is very little to lose and a lot to gain.
He's back again. The Perica captain is back.
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