Tough training as Saharan dust cloud sweeps over southern Spain

UD Almería have kicked off a six-day training week that will be completed next Monday with the away game against direct rivals CD Tenerife as tensions are rising at the top of the table. It will be a feisty affair with the second-placed Rojiblancos visiting the islanders, who are sitting fourth four points behind.

The squad members have accomplished the first of the six training sessions planned ahead of the stern test on the largest and most populated island of the Canary Islands. The sky in Almeria turned an eerie orange while the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos has been covered with dust and sand brought by wind from the Sahara desert, something that has made training hard for the players and head coach. Some players have trained wearing face coverings and itchy eyes as the smog-like conditions can also affect air pollution levels.

Several UD Almeria ‘B’ youngsters such as goalkeeper Fuoli, defender Aitor Puñal and striker Raúl Caballero have joined the first team squad in training. Robertone and Juan Villar have begun to do some work with the ball, although it is still early to know whether they will be available or not. 

UD Almería will be training at the Anexo training ground on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they will do so behind closed doors at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium.