ESPANYOL NEWS

Wu Lei - Limited chances Lei has started in one of his two appearance to open the season.

Impact Lei has found himself stuck behind Raul de Tomas and sharing minutes with Landry Dimata to begin the campaign. Between he and Dimata, whomever is able to be more productive is likely to serve as the second striker over the course of the season.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Adria Pedrosa - Returns to training Pedrosa (hand) participated in Tuesday's training session, according to La Grada.

Impact Pedrosa hurt his hand in the second game of the season after starting against Osasuna and Villarreal. Once he's able to play, Pedrosa will compete with Didac Rossello Vila for the starting left-back spot.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Yangel Herrera - Still injured Herrera (undisclosed) is still unable to train while dealing with a thigh injury, according to La Grada.

Impact Herrera missed the end of last season with a thigh injury and could still be out with the same issue. While he's sure to be a featured member of the lineup once fit, his debut will likely have to wait until he's recovered from this injury.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Yangel Herrera - Loaned to Espanyol Herrera has joined Espanyol on a season-long loan from Manchester City, the club announced Tuesday.

Impact Herrera already has plenty of La Liga experience, having spent two-and-a-half years in total on loan with Granada and Huesca. Last season, he made a combined 34 starts in La Liga and the Europa League with Granada, so the 23-year-old will expect to challenge for playing time in Espanyol's midfield.

AUGUST 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Valencia enjoys 2nd straight win at home

Valencia had no problem in beating Alavés 3-0 to win two straight home games at the start of the Spanish league season for the first time in seven years

AUGUST 27, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sergi Darder - Takes two shots in loss Darder took two shots (one on target) in Friday's 1-0 defeat against Mallorca.

Impact Darder couldn't inspire his team to a result on Friday as a Dani Rodriguez strike gave Mallorca the win. It was the first goal Espanyol have conceded this season, but on the other hand they are still looking for a first goal of their own. It won't get any easier against defending champions Atletico after the international break.

AUGUST 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Raul De Tomas - Has quiet game in loss De Tomas took a shot and completed five passes in Friday's 1-0 defeat against Mallorca.

Impact De Tomas was ineffective against Mallorca on Friday, and he will try to bounce back after the international break against defending champs Atletico Madrid, which have conceded one goal in two matches this season.

AUGUST 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Adri Embarba - Takes shot in loss Embarba took a shot on target in Friday's 1-0 defeat against Mallorca.

Impact Embarba was kept mostly under wraps by Mallorca on Friday, and his side is still looking for its first goal of the season. After the international break he will face defending champions Atletico Madrid, which have conceded once in two La Liga matches so far this year.

AUGUST 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Diego Lopez - Concedes goal against Mallorca Lopez made five saves but conceded a goal in Friday's 1-0 defeat against Mallorca.

Impact Lopez was beaten by a Dani Rodriguez strike on Friday, but otherwise did well as his side suffered its first loss of the season. It not only was the first goal conceded by Espanyol this year, but it was the first goal scored by either team in their three matches so far. After the international break Lopez will face defending champions Atletico, which have scored three goals in two matches thus far.

AUGUST 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sergi Gomez - Sent off against Mallorca Gomez received a straight red card for a foul on Amath Ndiaye during stoppage time of Friday's 1-0 defeat against Mallorca. He made an interception, six clearances and won one of o...

Impact Gomez will be suspended for the game against Bilbao after the international break. Calero is likely to replace him at center back for the match.

AUGUST 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Adria Pedrosa - Misses squad Friday Pedrosa (hand) isn't in the squad for Friday's match against Mallorca.

Impact Pedrosa's hand injury keeps him out of Friday's match, which allowed for a rare start for Didac Rossello Vila at full-back. Assuming Pedrosa can recover over the break, he should be back in the XI for Espanyol's next match.

AUGUST 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

MATCHDAY: Dortmund hosts Hoffenheim, Valencia hosts Alavés

Borussia Dortmund aims to bounce back from a surprise defeat to Freiburg with a win over Hoffenheim to start the Bundesliga’s third round

AUGUST 26, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Adri Embarba - Sends 11 crosses against Villarreal Embarba registered three off-target shots, four chances created, 11 crosses (two accurate), two tackles (one won), three interceptions, two clearances and one block in Saturday's 0...

Impact Embarba had a good outing, leading his side in crosses and chances created, while taking all of their nine corner kicks and posting the second-most shots and tackles. It wasn't enough to earn the home win, though, as they failed again to find the back of the net. He will now look to get on the scoresheet at Mallorca on Friday.

AUGUST 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Keidi Bare - Picks up yellow card as sub Bare sent in one inaccurate cross and picked up a yellow card in 15 minutes during Saturday's 0-0 draw to Villarreal.

Impact Bare again played as substitute, and couldn't do much to help them earn the win during his limited time in the field. But the midfielder received his first yellow card of the season in the proccess. He will now look for more playing time at Mallorca on Friday.

AUGUST 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Diego Lopez - Keeps clean sheet in draw Lopez made two saves and two clearances in Saturday's 0-0 draw to Villarreal.

Impact Lopez again kept the clean sheet, but they logged the second straight scoreless draw to begin the season. The goalkeeper will now look to keep things rolling when they visit Mallorca on Friday.

AUGUST 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Raul De Tomas - Takes six shots against Villarreal De Tomas took six shots (three on target), sent in two inaccurate crosses, made one clearance and picked up a yellow card in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Villarreal.

Impact De Tomas really tried, leading his side in shots, but couldn't find the back of the net and they again settled for a scoreless draw. The forward also received his first yellow card of the season. He will look to get on the scoresheet at Mallorca on Friday.

AUGUST 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Adria Pedrosa - Injures hand in draw Pedrosa was forced off at the break in Saturday's match against Villarreal because of a possible hand injury.

Impact Pedrosa couldn't continue against Villarreal, but Espanyol still managed to hold a second-straight clean sheet. If this hand injury forces him to miss time, Didac Rossello Vila is most likely to fill in at left-back Friday at Mallorca.

AUGUST 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Aleix Vidal - Signs with Espanyol Vidal signed with Espanyol on Wednesday. He's committed to a two-year contract that holds an option for a third season with his new club.

Impact Vidal arrives as a free agent after leaving Sevilla over the summer. He only made five starts from 12 league appearances last season but was much more active in the 2019/20 campaign for Deportivo Alaves, where he scored twice and added four assists in 29 games. Should he be able to recreate a season like that, Vidal's value could be reliable in a team with plenty of attacking talent.

AUGUST 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Manu Morlanes - Joins Espanyol on loan Morlanes joined Espanyol on a season-long loan from Villarreal, it was announced Monday.

Impact Morlanes spent last season on loan with Almeria, where he logged three assists in 36 games in the second division. That's where he encountered his new club en route to their promotion, so they were able together more scouting experience in direct competition. As a central midfielder, Morlanes provides an additional option with plenty of promise for the coming season.

AUGUST 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Javi Puado - Makes bench for opener Puado (muscular) is on the bench for Saturday's opener against Osasuna.

Impact Puado makes the squad for the opener after playing in the Olympics, though his role on the team is likely minimal heading into the season. That said, he just signed a new contract and could find a bigger role in the new campaign.

AUGUST 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sergi Darder - Out to start season Darder is suspended and will miss Saturday's trip to Osasuna, according to manager Vicente Moreno via AS.

Impact Darder is one of the key figures within this squad and his absence is just as notable for his leadership as his production. In 40 games last season, Darder scored six goals and added three assists in the second division. His absence could see Nico Melamed guaranteed a place in the lineup for at least one match.

AUGUST 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Javi Puado - Doubt for opener Puado is dealing with muscular issues and is listed as a doubt for Saturday's match at Osasuna, according to manager Vicente Moreno.

Impact Puado evidently returned from the Olympics hurt and despite training during the week, will be a late call as to whether or not he plays to open the season. Should he miss out, Lei Wu or Alvaro Vadillo could fill the gap on the wings.

AUGUST 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Javi Puado - Ready for season Puado participated in Tuesday's training session and is expected to be available in Saturday's trip to Osasuna, according to La Grada.

Impact Puado was with Spain during their run to the silver medal at the Olympics and could play a big role for Espanyol during their return to the first division. In 37 appearances last season, Puado scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the second division.

AUGUST 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Nany Dimata - Could play against Osasuna Dimata missed Saturday's friendly against Fiorentina but could return in time for Saturday's trip to Osasuna, according to La Grada.

Impact Dimata scoed five goals in 19 games last season but will now be more of a backup to Raul de Tomas than a featured player. While he's likely to make a few appearances this season, his chances of leading the line each week aren't as high.

AUGUST 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Keidi Bare - Hoping on fitness Bare is dealing with an ankle injury picked up in a friendly against Fiorentina but there's still a chance he could be ready for Saturday's trip to Osasuna, according to La Grada.

Impact Bare made 27 appearances during Espanyol's run to promotion last season and is a reliable asset in the midfield when fit. Given that Sergi Darder is less likely to play, Bare's return becomes that much more important.

AUGUST 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE