Sevilla's defensive woes continue as Garcia Pimienta faces fresh injury crisis

The persistent injury concerns have hindered his ability to establish a reliable defensive partnership, a vital component for any successful team.

So far this season, Pimienta has experimented with various defensive combinations, including Tanguy Nianzou and Nemanja Gudelj, Loic Bade and Kike Salas, Bade and Gudelj, Bade and Marcao, and Nianzou and Marcao.

The manager's preferred duo of Bade and Marcao has been disrupted by a nasal fracture sustained by Marcao during Sevilla's recent fixture against Getafe CF.

Marcao underwent surgery on Wednesday, and while the operation was deemed successful, he will miss Sevilla's upcoming match against Deportivo Alaves.

Sevilla's statement noted, "Marcao has been successfully operated on to correct the nasal fracture. He will need to rest for a few days and might rejoin the squad next Saturday, depending on his recovery."

With Marcao sidelined, Pimienta is expected to pair Bade with either Kike Salas or Gudelj, both of whom are more suited to the left-sided role in defence.

Gudelj, who had a strong performance in midfield against Getafe, played a crucial role in Sevilla's first win of the season.

Pimienta must weigh his options carefully as he seeks his second victory of the campaign.

On a hopeful note, Valentin Barco's return to full training could bolster the squad's depth for the clash against Alaves.

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