Rubi: 'This is the most absences we’ve had since I’ve been at UD Almería'
The UD Almería head coach confronts injury woes and lack of key players for Saturday’s derby against Granada CF
UD Almería head coach Rubi has revealed the significant absences his team will face for Saturday’s derby against Granada CF. 'This is the most absences we’ve had since I’ve been at UD Almería,' Rubi said when asked about the squad issues ahead of the first league fixture of 2026.
The Vilassar de Mar native explained that the team’s injury list remains unchanged, with players still recovering and others dealing with the flu. Furthermore, Thalys is unavailable due to a 'bureaucratic situation.' Additionally, Soko is away on international duty with Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the depleted squad, the Catalan emphasised the importance of stepping up: 'We must dig deep and field 11 players who will give it their all,' he added, outlining the team's focus on fighting for a win.
'It'd be essential to start off the year with a victory, to get the 3 points in a derby at home,' Rubi said acknowledging the team's desire to make amends after two defeats to close out 2025. 'We're all eager to make amends,' he added.
The gaffer acknowledged the current rough patch due to injuries but remains committed to putting up the best possible performance: 'We're going through a rough patch and we'll try to play the best possible match with what we have.'
When discussing Granada CF, Rubi outlined the challenge they pose: 'They're opponents who attack very well, alternating different aspects of their game that we've been working on this week to counter. They also look for creative play, so we'll both be fighting for possession. A heart-stopping match between two teams that will try to hit each other hard beckons,' he said.
Despite ending 2025 with two defeats, Rubi maintained confidence in UD Almería's position in the league: 'We're well positioned. We're fourth, tied with third place and 2 points away from automatic promotion. This is a marathon with its ups and downs, and if we get through them all together, it'll be better and faster.'
Reflecting on the team's spirit, Rubi concluded: 'We're a great team and the players are very involved and excited about achieving the Club's objective. They came back from Christmas holidays in great shape. We gave them some tasks to complete and they fulfilled them completely, which gives an idea of their commitment.'