Almería completed the first of four training sessions this week as they prepare for their crucial LaLiga Hypermotion match against UD Las Palmas, corresponding to matchday 40. The fixture is vital for the red-and-white side, who are fighting for promotion to the top flight. Currently sitting third in the standings, they are level on points with Deportivo de La Coruña (71) but behind on goal difference.
The game is set for Saturday at 18:30 local time at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, where the team trained on Tuesday. The session was marked by the absence of striker Miguel de la Fuente. The Valladolid-born forward was part of the group during coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia ‘Rubi’s pre-training talk, but then headed inside the stadium to work individually.
The decision was made by the coaching staff as part of load management for one of the key players in the second half of the season. Since arriving in the winter transfer window, De la Fuente has started 16 of the last 17 league matches, only being an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over CD Castellón. Consequently, he worked in the gym but is expected to be available for the clash against UD Las Palmas.
Meanwhile, Iddrisu Baba will be included in the squad for the direct encounter against the yellow side. The Ghanaian midfielder has fully recovered from his muscle issues and was omitted from the match against Burgos, but is now at the Catalan coach’s disposal. However, Dion Lopy will miss out due to suspension after picking up his tenth yellow card of the league campaign, serving a second cycle of bookings.
Additionally, several Almería players are one caution away from a suspension: Federico Bonini, Marcos Luna, Gui Guedes, and André Horta. They risk missing the trip to Gijón to face Real Sporting. The team will continue training behind closed doors on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to fine-tune preparations for the weekend fixture.
