Deportivo Alavés has confirmed on Tuesday the serious injury of Argentine centre-back Facundo Garcés, who has suffered a cruciate ligament rupture. The player was injured in the same training session where teammate Mikel Rodríguez also tore his ligament. This double blow is a severe setback for Quique Sánchez Flores's side, who sit second in La Liga with 10 points after a season start of three wins and a draw.
How did Garcés's injury occur?
Facundo Garcés suffered the rupture during a first-team training session. Notably, the defender had played and celebrated the derby win against Osasuna last weekend without apparent physical issues. The injury was confirmed this Tuesday, just days after the identical ailment of his teammate Mikel Rodríguez was announced on Friday. Manager Quique Sánchez Flores reacted to the news: "Las lesiones están poniendo un sabor amargo al extraordinario arranque de curso del Alavés." The Basque team has scored 10 goals and conceded only 3 in their first four matches, sitting just two points behind leaders Barcelona.
What is the player's recent history?
The injury comes at a particularly complicated time for the Argentine footballer. Garcés was serving a one-year ban imposed by FIFA that was due to end in the first week of November. In late January, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) granted him a provisional measure that allowed him to play four matches under then-coach Eduardo Coudet. However, the reactivation of the sanction coincided with Coudet's departure, leaving the player inactive again. His last official match was on 27 February at Ciutat de Valencia. During the ban, FIFA permitted him to train with the team, something he could not do in the initial months.
What options does Alaves have to cover the absences?
With two starting centre-backs out for long periods, the club's sporting direction, which includes Sergio Fernández, is exploring the possibility of signing a free agent. Regulations allow this option provided the player was without a contract before the transfer window closed. The team's midfield is well-covered with numerous players, so the focus is clearly on central defence. The first-team squad and its status can be checked on the club's official squad and injuries pages.
How does this affect the start of the season?
Alaves faces this blow at a time of great collective performance. The team has a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses, showing a defensive solidity that will now be tested. The next challenge is the trip to Santander to face Racing on 12 September. This match, featured in our fixtures schedule, presents an immediate test to reorganise the backline. En menos de una semana, Quique Sánchez Flores ha perdido a dos jugadores por una rotura del ligamento cruzado. The team will look to maintain its positive streak, which includes a +7 goal difference, away from home.
