Koski's fitness holds up Quique's plans for Atletico clash

Rain drips from the floodlights at Mendizorroza as Deportivo Alavés prepare for a high‑stakes encounter. Coach Quique Sánchez Flores watches the training pitch, waiting for the final word on Finnish defender Ville Koski before the Saturday clash with Atlético Madrid. The decision could shape the team’s defensive line‑up.

Alavés will host the colchoneros on Saturday, with the Atleti side eager to maintain the positive tone shown at the start of the campaign. Sánchez Flores, now 61, has praised the dressing‑room response, calling his players “extraordinary” and “exemplary”. The coach hopes the recent break has fine‑tuned the squad.

Fitness doubts and squad rotation

Koski’s physical state has lingered as a question mark during the pause. “The boy is evolving in his own way, he is doing well and we get good news,” Sánchez Flores said, indicating optimism about the centre‑back’s availability. With five matches in 21 days, Alavés will need to rotate heavily, especially as they juggle LaLiga and the Copa.

Emerging talents and squad utilisation

Youngsters Hugo Novoa and Selu Diallo have yet to make their first‑team debuts, while goalkeeper Adrián Rodríguez remains unused. To date, Sánchez Flores has called upon 21 of the 24 registered first‑team players, showing a willingness to blend experience with fresh faces.

Striker Toni Martínez returns to action after a seven‑match goalless run. The Murcian forward, who netted 11 times in the second half of last season to finish as Alavés’ top scorer, now shares the attack with Lucas Boyé and Mariano Díaz. “My goal will come, as it did last year,” he affirmed, confident that collective play will restore his scoring touch.

The veteran coach values the squad’s morale, noting that the break allowed players to recover and sharpen their approach. His assessment of the group remains overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the belief that Alavés can compete with Cholo Simeone’s Atlético.

If Koski is cleared and the rotation works, Alavés could preserve the momentum built in the opening weeks and pose a serious challenge to the reigning LaLiga leaders. The upcoming fixture therefore represents a pivotal test of depth, fitness and tactical flexibility.