Castellón concerned as Cipenga could miss Granada tie amid DR Congo festivities | OneFootball

Castellón face fresh uncertainty over Brian Cipenga, who could also miss Monday’s match against Granada CF at 19.00 at SkyFi Castalia as DR Congo’s World Cup celebrations hold up returns.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the country’s historic qualification has already delayed Charles Pickel’s return to Espanyol and left Cédric Bakambu unavailable for Betis, and Cipenga may be affected in the same way.

DR Congo sealed their 2026 World Cup place by beating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, Axel Tuanzebe scoring the winner. It is their first World Cup in 52 years, the last coming in 1974 when they competed as Zaire. FIFA currently lists them in Group K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Cipenga came on in extra time against Jamaica, injected pace down the left and delivered the corner that led to Tuanzebe’s decisive goal. That influence strengthens his prospects of making the final tournament squad.

The mandatory release period for the World Cup starts on 25 May 2026, following the last permitted official match on 24 May. LaLiga Hypermotion’s matchday 42 is scheduled for 31 May, so if selected by DR Congo, Cipenga could miss the final league fixture and a possible June promotion play-off. The World Cup begins on 11 June.

For Castellón, losing a winger capable of changing games in minutes would be a major blow at the season’s climax.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo