Suspended Alberto out for Zaragoza as Pablo Hernández reshapes Castellón defence | OneFootball

CD Castellón will be without captain and defensive leader Alberto Jiménez for Sunday’s trip to Zaragoza at 18.15. The centre-back is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card in the win over Leganés. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, this is Pablo Hernández’s first game in charge without his skipper.

Jiménez has played virtually every game since stepping up to the first team. Tactically astute, strong in duels, aerially dominant and composed in possession, he brings calm to the back line.

In Hernández’s early matches the pairing was Jiménez and the Argentine Sienra. After the Christmas break the Italian Brignani displaced Sienra, and Castellón have tightened up compared with last season, when their attacking approach left them more exposed.

The partnership against Zaragoza looks likely to be Brignani with Sienra. They have already started together twice under Johan Plat, a 2-1 loss at Córdoba and a 3-3 draw with Ceuta that led to the Dutch coach’s dismissal, although both were still adapting then.

Another option is Salva Ruiz, a left-sided centre-back who offers a strong outlet from the back. Óscar Gil has departed after a move to Real Murcia. Castellón now face the task of coping without him.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo