Marcelino plays down Pau Navarro injury, says he could face Alavés

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·9 marzo 2026

Marcelino plays down Pau Navarro injury, says he could face Alavés

Marcelino played down concern over Pau Navarro after Villarreal’s win against Elche yesterday, the defender departing in the 65th minute with discomfort.

Navarro went off after sliding to prevent a possible Álvaro Rodríguez cross, diverting the ball for a corner. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he had impressed up to that point.

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In his press conference, Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral said early signs point more to cramp than a serious problem. He described a slight overload in the back of the thigh and indicated it did not look like much.

He added they will monitor his progress and await the medical opinion, and for now the staff think he could be available for Friday’s trip to Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza.

Navarro is from La Vilavella.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo