Hercules CF vs Osasuna preview - Drenthe back to boost Hercules
Posted Sunday, March 20, 2011 by PA
Royston Drenthe returns to boost relegation-threatened Hercules in the crunch clash at home to Osasuna.
Drenthe has been out injured since early February and the on-loan wing-back has been sorely missed by Hercules, who have lost their last three league matches and are now down in 19th place.
The Alicante-based side have managed just one point in five games in the Dutchman's absence and sit above bottom club Malaga on goal difference alone with 10 rounds of the championship remaining.
While Drenthe is available again, Hercules are missing both Tote and David Trezeguet through injury, while Noe Pamarot is a big doubt.
But Paraguay forward Nelson Haedo Valdez is set to start after shaking off a knock and the South American believes Hercules have enough fighters to avoid the drop.
"Fighting relegation is something new for me," he said.
"But we have warriors here who will assume responsibility in the important games." Osasuna's fortunes have changed since the arrival of coach Jose Luis Mendilibar.
Former Valladolid coach Mendilibar took over from previous boss Jose Antonio Camacho last month and Osasuna have won three games out of five in that time.
Those three wins include an away success at Malaga, which was their first victory on the road this season.
And the 10 points picked up since Mendilibar took over have seen Osasuna move six points clear of the drop zone.
"We are in a good position to approach the home straight," defender Miguel Flano said.
Osasuna will now look to make it three games in a row, having previously failed to win back-to-back games all season.
Ruper is sidelined, with Walter Pandiani and Carlos Aranda also set to miss out.
Fernando Soriano is suspended.
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