Espanyol’s loan duo ruled out of Villarreal trip as Álex Freeman set for unveiling | OneFootball

Villarreal host RCD Espanyol at Estadio de la Cerámica on Monday at 21:00, looking to rediscover winning form. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the visitors cannot field loan pair Carlos Romero and Ramon Terrats because clauses bar them from facing their parent club.

Romero’s absence is especially significant. The 24-year-old left-back has logged 1,860 minutes across 21 matches and has scored four times, making him one of the division’s most prolific defenders.

Espanyol, a surprise package this season, arrive below their best but still in European places. Terrats, 25, has had a smaller role, with one goal at Mestalla against Valencia and five league starts, and was said to be close to a winter move after impressing at Getafe late last season.

Both join long-term absentee Javi Puado on the sidelines for Monday.

Villarreal’s latest winter signing Álex Freeman, 20, will be available at La Cerámica. The full-back joined from Orlando City to bolster the defence after Juan Foyth’s injury and has signed through June 2032.

Freeman is due to be presented today alongside winger Alfon at La Cerámica’s press room. Alfon will miss Monday as he continues his recovery from a muscle problem.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo