Alejandro Francés
GIROption off bench Saturday
Frances (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's season finale against Elche.
Analysis: Frances has been included in the squad after the club's assessment of his response to treatment returned a sufficiently positive outcome, with coach Michel Sanchez opting for a cautious approach by keeping him among the substitutes despite the possibility of a pain-killing infiltration having been raised ahead of the crucial relegation battle finale. The defender has contributed two assists, 25 tackles, 15 interceptions and 60 clearances across 24 La Liga appearances this season, and his presence on the bench is a better outcome than the continued discomfort had suggested in the days prior.
Doubt for final La Liga game
Frances (knee) remains a doubt for Saturday's season finale against Elche after testing the knee but continuing to feel discomfort, according to coach Michel Sanchez. "Frances has tested it, he has discomfort, but we will see if, by giving him an infiltration, he can be in the team."
Analysis: Frances had been forced off in the 86th minute of Sunday's clash against Atletico Madrid with knee discomfort, and his continued pain is a concern heading into a crucial relegation battle finale. The club will make a final call after assessing his response to treatment, with Daley Blind expected to start in central defense if Frances cannot be cleared in time for the most important fixture of Girona's season.
Forced off injured Sunday
Frances was forced off injured in the 86th minute of Sunday's clash against Atletico Madrid after being unable to continue due to knee discomfort, leaving Girona a man down at a crucial stage of the match.
Analysis: Frances, who had been preferred over Daley Blind in each of the last four games, was forced off in the 86th minute due to knee discomfort, leaving Girona down to ten men in the closing stages. He will now undergo tests to determine the severity of the issue and whether he will be available for the crucial relegation battle against Elche. If he fails to recover in time, Blind is likely to reclaim his starting spot in central defense
Doesn't threaten offensively
Frances had five shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Real Sociedad. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 62nd minute.
Analysis: Frances didn't put any of his shots on the target and had one accurate cross of his four, so he contributed little to Girona's push forward for goals. The defender will need to be more efficient to help Girona break down an Atletico Madrid side which has given up the fourth-fewest goals in La Liga this season.
Limited involvement
Frances recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Friday's 1-0 defeat versus Mallorca.
Analysis: Frances didn't do much going forward, and his defensive work was average at best. The defender doesn't carry a lot of upside regardless of whether he plays as a right-back or center-back.
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