Sarabia confirms three absences for Deportivo and opens door to Moscardo and Calatrava

RCD Espanyol

Urko, Kike Garcia and Roger Hinojo confirmed absentees

Eder Sarabia confirmed three absences for the game against Deportivo.

Urko Gonzalez de Zarate will not be available because of some physical discomfort, although the coach made clear it does not appear to be a serious injury.

«Urko has a little something, it's not much, but for tomorrow he is out for now», he explained.

Joining him on the sidelines are Kike Garcia, also out, and Roger Hinojo, who must serve a suspension.

Dmitrovic and Fortuno: the goalkeeping spot remains open

One of the main unknowns in the new Espanyol is who will start in goal.

Sarabia said he has already decided on his goalkeeper for Saturday, but refused to reveal his choice and made it clear that there is no undisputed number one.

The coach praised the experience and personality of Marko Dmitrovic, as well as the excellent recent form of Angel Fortuno.

«Whoever plays tomorrow does not mean they will already be the starter», he warned.

Moscardo could be handed a bigger role

Sarabia was also particularly upbeat about Gabriel Moscardo, who has had less involvement over the last few matchdays.

The coach highlighted his quality, attitude and versatility, insisting he can perform different roles.

«I think he is going to be one of the surprises in terms of the level of performance he perhaps has not been showing so far», he said.

As a result, Moscardo could gain importance under the new coach, especially with Urko unavailable.

Calatrava, an option for several positions

The coach praised the qualities of Alex Calatrava, whom he sees as a dynamic player with goals in him.

Sarabia explained that he can play as a No 10, as a central midfielder, as a second striker or even out wide, which broadens his chances of fitting into different plans.

Roberto Fernandez, Puado and Bryan Zaragoza

The coach welcomed Roberto Fernandez's call-up to the Spain squad and stressed that he wants to help him improve his attacking efficiency without demanding so much defensive work from him.

He also expressed his confidence in Javi Puado and Bryan Zaragoza, urging them to keep developing in order to push for future international call-ups.

Sarabia did not reveal his line-up, but insisted he will look for an intense, brave and front-foot Espanyol, making the most of his players' qualities before introducing major tactical changes.