Celta Vigo vs Almeria preview - Almeria suffer keeper blow

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2014 by PA

Almeria have suffered a blow ahead of Friday's Primera Division match at Celta Vigo with news that goalkeeper Ruben Martinez will be out of action for up to two months.

Ruben was injured during training this week, with tests confirming the 30-year-old has dislocated his right elbow.

A statement from the club read: "Ruben Martinez got hurt in Wednesday's training session and an X-ray revealed a right elbow luxation.

"The estimated time of recovery is between six to eight weeks."

Julian Cuesta will replace Ruben on goal on Friday.

To add to coach Juan Ignacio Martinez's woes, midfielder Fernando Soriano is suspended while Congo striker Thievy Bifouma is doubtful with a thigh injury.

Almeria nevertheless head into the encounter at the Balaidos stadium in confident mood after progressing to the Copa del Rey last 16.

The Rojiblancos edged Real Betis 2-1 on Tuesday to win their tie 6-4 on aggregate in what was Martinez's first game in charge since replacing Francisco Rodriguez, who was dismissed last week.

The midweek victory was Almeria's first triumph at home this season.

"It was important to win to lift the team's morale and also to progress to the next round of the competition," Martinez told his club's official website.

"Our aim aim this season is to focus on defending our Primera Liga status but we respect the Copa del Rey and we want to do well in this competition too."

Almeria have not won any of their last nine league games and their 4-1 home defeat to Real Madrid last Friday dropped the Andalusian club to 19th place in La Liga, two points adrift of safety.

Celta have also endured a dismal spell in La Liga.

The Galician outfit have lost their last four league games without scoring to drop to eighth in the standings.

Celta did progress to the next round of the Spanish Cup after overturning a 2-1 first-leg deficit to beat second-tier Las Palmas 4-3 on aggregate on Tuesday.

"It was important that we rediscovered our goalscoring touch and I hope my players can keep it up on Friday," Celta coach Eduardo Berizzo said.