Everyone is back in the mix at UD Almería

UD Almería’s squad is gradually regaining its full strength after an intense and prolonged summer, both in the transfer window and on the training ground. The Club’s roster is beginning to settle following the closure of the summer transfer window which, for UD Almería, extended slightly with the late arrival of Aridane, signed as a free agent.

Now, with most players back from international duty and injured squad members returning to action, head coach Rubi is finally starting to see the pieces fall into place.

The retained and release list from the summer makes clear just how significant the squad overhaul has been. A total of 11 new signings were brought in: Andrés Fernández, Marcos Luna, Chirino, Nelson Monte, Bonini, Aridane, Álex Muñoz, Dzodic, André Horta, Soko and Thalys. These were joined by Embarba, who returned to the Club after a season-long loan at Rayo Vallecano.

Meanwhile, 12 players were released or transferred out: Maximiano, Pozo, Marc Pubill, Mendes, Bruno Langa, Edgar, Radovanovic, Kaiky, Melero, Milovanovic, Lázaro and Luis Suárez, all part of a summer clear-out designed to reshape the squad.

The retained list includes 12 players who continue to form the core of Rubi’s plans this season: Fernando, Arnau Puigmal, Chumi, Centelles, Lopy, Baba, Robertone, Gui Guedes, Selvi, Sergio Arribas, Nico Melamed and Léo Baptistão.

Alongside them, several promising youngsters from UD Almería 'B', namely Bruno Iribarne, Pedro Fidel and Perovic, have been integrated into first-team training and remain available for selection if needed.

In total, the current group stands at 27 players, with the flexibility to expand via the Academy set-up.

Despite this balanced and well-stocked squad on paper, Rubi has not yet had the opportunity to work with his entire group due to various setbacks. Injuries and international commitments have disrupted the early season, but there are now encouraging signs. Last weekend against Real Valladolid, three players made their Club debuts, Thalys and Aridane, both newly signed, along with Nelson Monte, who had been recovering from a long-term injury sustained in pre-season. Just a week earlier, Baba made a much-anticipated return to competitive action after spending nine months on the sidelines.

Still, some of the returning players are not yet fully fit. Thalys, Aridane and Baba are dealing with minor muscular discomfort, a natural consequence of limited training time, and therefore are undergoing tailored sessions with the medical and technical staff. Their availability for the upcoming clash with Sporting Gijón will be assessed later this week.

Also under observation are Soko, who returned from international duty with Cameroon carrying a knock and Chumi, who suffered a sprain during the match at Anoeta. All 5 are working on the pitch but remain doubts for the weekend.

The one player confirmed to return to full selection is Lopy, who has now served his one-match suspension following his red card against Racing Santander and is eligible to play again, should Rubi choose to call upon him.

After a summer defined by change and a challenging start to the campaign, UD Almería’s squad is finally stabilising. With the retained and release list now in the rearview mirror and players gradually returning to fitness, Rubi will be hoping to build momentum, starting with Saturday’s home encounter against Sporting Gijón.