Girona FC faces a new challenge in shaping its starting lineup, particularly on the left side of the attack. Bryan Gil's injury, who might return after the international break, has created a void that coach Míchel Sánchez will need to fill with available alternatives within the squad.
Despite constant injuries plaguing the team throughout the season, Míchel increasingly has more options for his preferred 4-3-2-1 formation. While positions like goalkeeper, the central defensive pair of Vitor Reis and Blind, the pivots Witsel and Fran Beltrán, and the Ukrainians Tsygankov and Vanat are undisputed, other roles have seen rotations and trials.
“"Professional sports are not good for mental health, but I distance myself from that."
After the break, the left attacking wing will reopen its casting. In recent matches, Joel Roca has occupied this position, standing out for his good performance and the equalizer goal against Levante at Ciutat de València. The player from Camprodon, who also played 90 minutes with the Spanish U-21 national team against Cyprus, had already been a starter in the initial matchdays.
Bryan Gil's knee injury, caused by a slip during training, has forced Míchel to seek alternatives. With Lemar fit and Ounahi recovering from injury, the Moroccan has shown his ability to play on the wing, providing dangerous diagonal runs. Although his natural position is in the center of the attacking midfield, his one-on-one skill makes him a valid option, even if the team might lose defensive solidity.
Another player who has seen minutes on the left wing is Claudio Echeverri. Although his sole start against Levante was not his best, the Argentine shows signs of improvement in decision-making. With the potential return of Stuani and Abel Ruiz's recovery process, Echeverri, on loan from City, could become another option for the left wing, provided he overcomes the ankle problems he suffered against Osasuna at El Sadar.
Other players like Iván Martín or Abel Ruiz could also occupy the left wing at specific moments, seeking more playing time. If the infirmary empties, with the return of Stuani (soleus injury) and Bryan Gil (internal collateral ligament of the knee), Míchel would only have the long-term absences of Ter Stegen and Van de Beek. This increase in resources will be crucial in the final stretch of the season, when the team's objectives are decided.
