Villarreal CF is dealing with a mixed bag of news this week following a league defeat, a key defensive injury, and a movement in their youth setup. The team lost 1-0 to Deportivo Alavés on August 28, a result that leaves the Yellow Submarine 15th in the table with just 2 points from three games.
The match at Mendizorroza ended with a solitary goal from Boyé for Alavés. Despite dominating possession with 76%, Villarreal failed to turn their control into a positive result. Data shows the team created 12 chances and had 14 shots, with 7 on target, but couldn't beat the home goalkeeper.
Manager Marcelino García Toral will be concerned by his forward line's lack of cutting edge. The team has scored 4 goals and conceded 5 so far this season, giving them a negative goal difference.
Argentine defender Juan Foyth is a doubt for the upcoming match against Deportivo La Coruña. The player felt muscular discomfort during the game against Alavés and missed the subsequent training session. The club is awaiting the results of medical tests to determine the extent of the issue.
If confirmed, his natural replacements in central defence would be Logan Costa and Pau Navarro. Until now, only Sergi Cardona and Gerard Moreno had suffered physical problems this campaign, but both have been available for the first three matches. New Canadian signing Nathan Saliba is already training normally with the group.
Winger Dani Cantero is returning to Real Zaragoza just one year after joining Villarreal's youth system. The Aragonese club has reached an agreement with Villarreal for the transfer of the 20-year-old. Cantero has signed a two-year deal with their reserve team, Deportivo Aragón.
In their statement, Real Zaragoza described Cantero as "a skilful attacker whose natural position is left winger." This move is part of Zaragoza's policy to bring back academy products who recently left. The operation does not affect Villarreal's first team, which is focused on improving their league form.
Villarreal CF currently sits in 15th place in LaLiga Santander. They have 2 points from two draws and one loss, and trail leaders Barcelona by 7 points. Their next fixture is key to change their trajectory.
This Saturday, September 5, the team hosts Deportivo La Coruña at La Cerámica, with the visitors arriving in eighth place. A win is essential to climb away from the lower reaches of the standings and build confidence before the international break. The match is an opportunity to prove the defeat in Vitoria was just a stumble.
