Villarreal’s squad options against Rangers could be more limited than we first realised.
That’s because manager Javi Callega has claimed he’s going to have to make big changes ahead of tonight’s clash at El Madrigal. Villarreal and Rangers lock horns in tonight’s Europa League curtain-raiser for the first time since 2006.
Both sides have been plagued with injury and suspension concerns heading into the match. Steven Gerrard doesn’t have his problems to seek despite Villarreal’s own injury crises.
Callega has now, however, provided a further boost to the Gers. Speaking to the media ahead of his clash with Gerrard’s side, he claims his squad options are stretched.
“We are going to make changes from the previous game against Leganes. We have no option this month with so many games.
“But I think it will help that Rangers are a team that has similarities to Leganes. They have a lot of intensity in their play, they are dangerous in the air and at set-pieces.
“We cannot lose concentration for a second.”
Are Villarreal weaker than first thought?
This could mean that, as well as the injuries they already have to their squad, they could be weakened further. Losing the likes of Bruno Soriano, Santiago Caseres, and Javi Fuego are massive blows. Juame Costa is suspended too, meaning the El Madrigal side are without four of their stars.
Yet it’ll be interesting to see what further changes Villarreal make to their side. They’re already weakened, but it could be worse for the Spaniards than first feared. The injuries already confirmed haven’t taken into account fatigued players.
There’s no doubting that whatever side Villarreal pitch up with tonight will be fairly strong. They simply can’t afford to take Rangers lightly by making a raft of changes. But Rangers can take advantage of the fact this isn’t a Villarreal team at 100%. This is as vulnerable as the Yellow Submarine are going to be.
Many of the bigger clubs also don’t see the Europa League as a big priority. This could also be in Callega’s thinking ahead of the match tonight. With such a poor domestic start outside of their Leganes win, Villarreal could have one eye on La Liga success.
Regardless, Rangers can’t take their foot off the gas tonight. The game will be tough irrespective of the team the Spaniards play. But there’s no denying that if key players are fatigued and miss out, it opens the window of opportunity that little bit further for Gerrard’s men.
