FIFA virus worsens for CD Castellón as Mabil joins Cipenga on duty | OneFootball

CD Castellón have been hit by the so-called FIFA virus, with Awer Mabil called up by Australia to join Brian Cipenga, who has been selected by DR Congo. The pair play the same position, leaving Pablo Hernández short, and all signs are that both will miss three fixtures in a crucial spell.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, LaLiga’s decision to stage Castellón v Cultural on Monday at 20.30 means they also sit out this matchday. Barring a surprise, they will not be available to visit Albacete on Saturday 28 March at 21.00 or to host Almería on Thursday 2 April at 20.00.

Cipenga must report to DR Congo on 24 March. His national team contest the play-off final on 31 March against the winner of New Caledonia v Jamaica, who meet on 27 March in a tournament held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Mabil faces an even longer trip. Australia play at home on 27 March against Cameroon and on 31 March against Curaçao. The Castellón winger has not featured for his country for a year and a half. He has 35 caps and played at the last World Cup in Qatar.

The timing is especially awkward because Spain’s Segunda División continues through FIFA breaks. Cipenga has been Hernández’s plan A on the wing this season, with Mabil stepping in when he has been absent.

Since Hernández took charge, Cipenga has missed seven matches. On each occasion Mabil started on one flank, partnered variously by Mamah, Suero and Pablo Santiago. That run included a 0-0 at Eibar, a 0-0 at Burgos, a 5-4 over Real B, a 1-3 loss at Andorra, home wins against Mirandés and Huesca by 3-1 and 4-1, and a 2-0 defeat at Cádiz.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo