Segunda leaders Castellón face depth test against Ceuta | OneFootball

CD Castellón top Segunda and remain unbeaten, but suspensions, injuries and the FIFA window now stretch the squad. Sunday’s visit of Ceuta to SkyFi Castalia will gauge their depth.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports the strong start has come with authority, yet absences are mounting. They are one of only two unbeaten sides in professional LaLiga, with Barcelona the other in Primera.

On Monday in Leganés they prevailed despite key losses. International duty removed Maty Orozco, called by Colombia, and Jari Vlak sustained an ankle sprain confirmed by the club. The Dutchman will miss Ceuta and may be sidelined for several weeks.

Those setbacks left only two holding midfielders at Butarque, where Diego Barri was pivotal and Álvaro Martín returned to the XI and delivered. His readiness after waiting his turn could be vital across a long campaign.

Further absences bite on Sunday, with injured Brignani and Vlak joined by internationals Orozco, Rodrigo Rego and Amir Saipi, plus Jeremy Mellot after the RFEF disciplinary committee rejected his red-card appeal. Mellot will serve a one-match ban against Ceuta.

Right-back Mellot’s absence is a clear test of improved depth and balance. Last season there was no obvious deputy, so stop-gaps like Gerenabarrena and Pablo Santiago affected plans.

The club moved in summer by signing Juanjo Nieto and adding defenders after Brignani’s long-term injury. Some, such as Ceccherini and Kostis, are yet to debut, and Mellot’s absence could hand them a chance. Mellot has also featured at centre-back this season.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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