The break gives Malaga a boost: Funes gets his squad back before facing Espanyol

Málaga Club de Fútbol

Juanfran Funes will take charge of the final stage of this particular tune-up from Monday. The next goal will be to prepare for the Friday, October 9 clash against RCD Espanyol at La Rosaleda, an appointment the coach expects to approach with more options available.

The break has allowed the team to work with continuity after a short pre-season marked by various physical issues. It has also helped to reduce the workload on those players who had been arriving especially fatigued for the last matches, a situation on which Funes had publicly commented.

To keep the competitive rhythm, Málaga have played two friendlies. First they faced Antequera CF at their Ciudad Deportiva, and then they traveled to take on Córdoba of Iván Ania at the Nuevo Arcángel, in a match in which the result did not make the news.

The second test provided minutes for players who needed game time. Fernando Calero, who fractured several ribs in the last pre-season friendly against Ceuta, took part in Córdoba. Álex Pastor and Adam Aznou also featured, up to now making their debuts.

Both Calero and Aznou have especially made the most of these weeks of work. The two have carried injuries since their arrival at Málaga and everything points to them being available to be included in the squad for the match against Espanyol.

Einar returns to the group and Juan Cruz continues on the sidelines

Another positive development has been the return of Einar to group training. Juan Cruz, meanwhile, continues to train separately, while Cajuste, Murillo, Aaron Ochoa and Lobete remain out with long-term injuries.

Funes has been able to work during this period with a large part of his squad, although he has also had absences due to international commitments. Rafita made his debut this Thursday for Spain Under-21 against San Marino, a match in which he started and played 70 minutes. On Tuesday he will face Romania in Ibiza, and his return to Málaga is scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday.

That absence is now joined by Chupe. Ferrán Torres' call-up with the senior national team led to Carlos Espí's summons by Luis de la Fuente and, as a result, the Cordoba-born forward at Málaga joined the Under-21s for the match against Romania.

The squad had a day off on Friday and will also have Saturday and Sunday free. On Monday they will return to training to prepare for the first of two consecutive matchdays at La Rosaleda, first against RCD Espanyol and then against Real Sociedad.