Mundo Deportivo: Cabrera Returns from Suspension, Giving Espanyol a 'Sweet Headache' in Defense

According to Mundo Deportivo, Cabrera has completed his suspension and will return to Espanyol's squad for the match against Sevilla, leaving Manolo González with a difficult choice over his center-back selection.

Manolo González has encountered his first problem of the season, although it is a sweet problem. Cabrera can finally return to the squad for the match against Sevilla after missing the first three rounds due to suspension.

Everyone was surprised when the Espanyol coach did not include the Uruguayan center-back in the starting lineup he selected for the first time this season. Cabrera is one of the team's pillars and was also captain when Puado was absent. Cabrera had previously been included in the squad list, and the club had not reported any injury or discomfort, so it initially appeared to be a tactical decision until the club announced his situation.

The Espanyol defender was given a three-match suspension for hitting the VAR screen during the match against Getafe in March. Espanyol successfully appealed throughout the final stage of last season and even continued trying until the last second before the opening match of the 26/27 season, but ultimately failed. Cabrera was even unable to sit on the bench for the match against Levante.

In any case, Lele Cabrera has completed his suspension, which covered the victory over Levante and the defeats against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. Therefore, he can finally return to the squad for the match against Sevilla. Before this, Manolo González had already started trusting the center-back pairing of Drujic and Unai Núñez, with both performing well, as has Clemens Riedel.

Manolo's question: Núñez, Drujic, or Riedel?

It seems clear that Monchi has assembled a squad with four high-level center-backs, creating a selection dilemma for the Galician coach when choosing his starting lineup. In recent years, Espanyol's biggest concern has consistently been defensive weaknesses.

Cabrera's return is undoubtedly a major boost for Manolo González. The Uruguayan is the second captain, has extensive experience, and is a pillar in the dressing room. He is likely to return directly to the starting lineup, and with his strong defending, attacking ability, and goal threat, Cabrera has long held a secure starting role.

In this situation, the coach must decide who has earned the place alongside the number six role in these weeks. Unai Núñez is the leading candidate because he has started all three matches played so far. Drujic partnered with him in the previous match against Real Sociedad, while Riedel started alongside the former Valencia player against Levante and Real Madrid.