Mallorca vs Granada CF preview - Problems mount for Mallorca

Posted Sunday, October 07, 2012 by PA

Mallorca face a defensive crisis for the visit of Granada this weekend with three of their regular back four unavailable through injury and suspension.

Antonio Lopez and Jose Nunes have both picked up knee injuries over the past week that are likely to keep them out for the next couple of months whilst midfielder Ximo Navarro is banned after being sent-off in the 1-0 defeat to Getafe on Monday night, but he accepts his dismissal was probably the right decision.

He told Marca: "I am calm, if the referee decided that the tackle was a red then it is just. I am not going to enter into a discussion over the referee's decision. I respect it and I will be supporting the team from the stands so that they can take the three points.

"The manager told me to learn from this. I have to think when to go to ground and when not to. There are many players out but I am sure that those who go out onto the field will be prepared and we ought to have confidence in them."

Pedro Bigas is expected to come in at left-back whilst Alejandro Alfaro could start on the right side of midfield with Emilio Nsue moving to right-back.

Granada meanwhile got their first win of the season over Celta Vigo last weekend and manager Juan Antonio Anquela has said his side need to concentrate for the 90 minutes if they are to keep their momentum going.

He told Marca: "Although we didn't play the football that this group is capable of we got the points which is what matters.

"We need to equal Mallorca in concentration and desire to win because they are a super-competitive team and if we are not at this level it will be a lot more difficult."