Quim Junyent and Áron Yaakobishvili return to the squad for this Sunday’s 4:15pm clash against RCD Mallorca at the Son Moix stadium. However, they are not the only new faces in Xavier García Pimienta’s squad. The head coach has had to turn to the UD Almería 'B' due to the number of absences, handing first-team call-ups to Serbian defender Andrej Popović and French defensive midfielder Kassoum Koné.

Stefan Dzôdić and Brian Cipenga are currently away on international duty with their respective senior national teams, while Rodrigo Ely and Gui Guedes are recovering from ankle and knee injuries respectively. That leaves UD Almería without four key players.

Quim Junyent is available again after serving his suspension following his controversial and unjust red card against Córdoba. Yaakobishvili, meanwhile, missed the game against RC Celta Fortuna for personal reasons.

As mentioned, two youngsters make their first appearance in a senior squad. Popović is a 20-year-old left-footed centre-back who joined this summer from Italian side Verona, having previously been at Partizan Belgrade. Kassoum Koné, 19, is a defensive midfielder developed in the Nantes Academy who arrived from Saudi club Al-Ittihad.

The Rojiblancos completed their final training session behind closed doors at the UD Almería Stadium before travelling to Palma de Mallorca on a charter flight this afternoon. They face a demanding clash at the Son Moix stadium on Sunday against a direct promotion rival who played in the top flight last season.

UD Almería squad list

Goalkeepers: Andrés Fernández (1), Fernando (13), Yaakobishvili (31).

Defenders: Marcos Luna (2), Alex Muñoz (3), Pulido (5), Leonardo Lelo (15), Bonini (18), Chumi (21), Chirino (22), Popović (32).

Midfielders: Mikel Vesga (6), Morcillo (7), Nico Melamed (10), Sergio Arribas (11), Javi Muñoz (14), Álex Sola (20), Embarba (23), Koné (26), Quim Junyent (33).

Forwards: Thalys (9), Baptistao (12), Miguel de la Fuente (24).