RAUL ALBIOL NEWS

Completes training session Albiol (undisclosed) participated in Wednesday's first-team training session in the lead-up to the La Liga opener versus Betis on Sunday.

Impact Albiol didn't get into action during the preseason for Villarreal, so it seems unlikely he will jump right into the starting XI against Betis. Still, the defender featured in 24 of his 25 La Liga appearances for the club last season, so he should be in contention for a spot on the pitch once given the all-clear.

AUGUST 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out for season finale Albiol (undisclosed) is not in Villarreal's match day squad for Sunday's clash against Atletico Madrid.

Impact Albiol ends the campaign with eight clean sheets from 25 La Liga appearances (24 starts) in central defense, another slight decrease in playing time compared to last season as he missed most of April and May with injuries. The 37-year-old has one more year left on his contract with Villarreal heading into the summer.

JUNE 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Bilbao Albiol is not in Villarreal's match day squad to face Athletic Club on Saturday.

Impact Albiol extended his contract with Villarreal for another year this week, but he is not available for selection on Saturday. The 37-year-old center-back only featured in two of his side's last seven La Liga matches since the start of April.

MAY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes bench Sunday Albiol is fit and in the match day squad to face Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Impact Albiol returns from an undisclosed injury which has kept him out of Villarreal's previous two matches. The defender starts from the bench with Pau Torres and Aissa Mandi partnering in the center of defense.

APRIL 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sidelined again Thursday Albiol (undisclosed) will be unavailable versus Espanyol on Thursday.

Impact Albiol will be shelved for the fourth time in the last five contests due to his lingering injury concerns. Prior to his initial absence, the central defender had started eight straight contests in which he racked up 35 clearances along with 10 tackles (nine won), three blocks and three interceptions. In his stead, Pau Torress and Aissa Mandi figure to hold down the middle of the back line.

APRIL 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Sevilla Albiol is not in Villarreal's match day squad for Sunday's clash against Sevilla.

Impact Albiol has been limited to just one La Liga appearance off the bench since the March international break, and he's missing out once again on Sunday. Aissa Mandi gets another start alongside Pau Torres in central defense in his absence.

APRIL 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Rayo Vallecano Albiol (undisclosed) will be in the starting XI to face Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Impact Alboil returns following a two-game stint on the sidelined due to his undisclosed injury. Prior to his absence, the central defender started four of the club's previous five contests in which he recorded 17 clearances, five interceptions and three tackles (two won). Considering Albiol hasn't recorded a single shot on target this season, fantasy players probably shouldn't be expecting much out of him in terms of offensive production.

JANUARY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Absent versus Girona Albiol is unavailable for Sunday's clash with Girona.

Impact Albiol likely suffered an unspecified injury in the past game, which he left at intermission, and he's not an option for this one. Jose Cuenca and Pau Torres are partnering in the middle of the defense.

JANUARY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns from suspension Albiol served a one-match ban and is now eligible for selection once more.

Impact Albiol missed a clash with Celta Vigo due to yellow card accumulation and is available once more. The defender should return straight to the starting XI now that he is available for selection.

JANUARY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Banned Friday Albiol will be unavailable due to yellow-card accumulation against Celta Vigo on Friday.

Impact Albiol has started all but one of the team's 16 contests in which he logged 68 clearances, 10 blocks and 11 interceptions. In Albiol's stead, Aissa Mandi could be in line to make just his fourth appearance in the starting XI.

JANUARY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Left on bench in loss Albiol was left on the bench for Sunday's 1-0 loss to Athletic Club.

Impact Albiol had started all 11 of his league appearances until Sunday, so it's uncertain what exactly motivated his absence aside from potential fitness issues. Pending his status for Sunday's match against Mallorca, Aissa Mandi could make another start at center-back.

NOVEMBER 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Barcelona Albiol (undisclosed) is in Villarreal's starting lineup for Thursday's clash against Barcelona.

Impact Albiol was questionable heading into Thursday's game as he was limited in practice this week, but the 37-year-old is back in the XI against Barcelona and has still played every single La Liga minute for Villarreal this season.

OCTOBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Trains separately Wednesday Albiol was a limited participant in Wednesday's training session ahead of Thursday's trip to Barcelona, according to Javi Mata of AS.

Impact Albiol played the full 90 in Monday's 2-0 win over Osasuna but might need some rest if he's succumbed to fatigue. It's not an ideal time against a strong Barca headed by Robert Lewandwoski and either Aissa Mandi or Jorge Cuenca could fill the gap left by Albiol in the starting lineup if needed.

OCTOBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Three clearances in draw Albiol logged in three clearances and had two tackles (one won) in Saturday's 0-0 tie versus Cadiz.

Impact Albiol was not given much work with only three clearances on the day. He typically averages 4.7 clearances a match which brings his total to 33 on the season. The veteran Spaniard is still on an upstanding run of late with a total of 20 clearances, eight tackles (five won) and three clean sheets in the last five matches.

OCTOBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Solid performance in win Albiol made four clearances and helped his side to keep a clean sheet during Saturday's 3-0 win over Valladolid.

Impact Albiol didn't have spectacular numbers but was still very solid at the heart of the defense as usual. Regardless of who the opposition is, the center-back is always a great source of defensive fantasy numbers and Aug. 21 visit to Atletico Madrid will probably be a great test for him.

AUGUST 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Makes 12 clearances in win Albiol made 12 clearances and two blocks while helping his side to keep a clean sheet during Sunday's 2-0 win over Barcelona.

Impact Albiol finished his campaign in style, putting up another spectacular performance to shut down Barcelona's strong attack. This was the centre back's third game with double-digit clearances since Apr. 12 and, with his latest performance, he's shown that age doesn't slow him down yet. Over 28 league starts, Albiol racked up 124 clearances, 26 tackles, 21 interceptions, 15 blocks and 11 clean sheets.

MAY 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Lacking fantasy relevance Albiol has started four of Villarreal's past six matches heading into Wednesday's match with Liverpool.

Impact Albiol frequently starts in Villarreal's back line, playing 90 minutes nearly every start this season. The centerback has no fantasy viability unless he lucks his way into a goal from a set piece.

APRIL 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Logs five clearances in Juventus game Albiol had one block, one successful take-on and five clearances and won three duels in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Juventus.

Impact Albiol was stout in the back and contributed to holding a strong frontline in check with his savviness. He has registered four tackles, 15 clearances and two blocks in the last five matches, with one clean sheet. Villarreal will face Cadiz away Sunday.

MARCH 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Solid performance in win Albiol made two tackles, four clearances and two interceptions, helped his side to keep a clean sheet and was shown a yellow card during Sunday's 1-0 win over Getafe.

Impact Albiol had a rock-solid performance at the heart of the defense, specially during the second half, when the opposition adopted a more offensive approach in search of an equalizer. With 34 clearances over his last seven starts in all competitions, the centre back will try to keep it up during Nov. 20 visit to Celta Vigo.

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Saturday Albiol is fit and in the starting XI for Saturday's match with Athletic Bilbao.

Impact Albiol was a doubt heading into the match after being stretchered off with a neck injury in mid week. The defender returns in time to take up a role in the Villarreal back line for Saturday's clash with Athletic Bilbao.

OCTOBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Stretchered off Albiol was stretchered off with a apparent head/neck injury during Villarreal's 4-1 win over Young Boys.

Impact Albiol had just made his return from a hamstring injury, and while this is unrelated it will delay his season. The defender was hit in the face by a ball and taken off on a spinal stabilization board. Albiol will be questionable until more information is known, Aissa Mandi figures to pick up some playing time in the meantime.

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

On bench against Osasuna Albiol (hamstring) is in Villarreal's match day squad for Sunday's clash against Osasuna.

Impact Albiol missed the victory against Betis before the international break with a hamstring injury, but he is fit enough to join the bench now and could see some playing time on Sunday.

OCTOBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Recovering from hamstring injury Albiol is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during his match against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Impact Albiol's hamstring injury wasn't a big talking point at Old Trafford, and with the international break under way there is hope he can return on the other side of it. The severity of the injury is unclear, but he is at the very best questionable for an Oct. 17 clash with Osasuna.

OCTOBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet in draw Albiol kept a clean sheet with four tackles made (two won) during Monday's scoreless draw with Granada.

Impact Albiol has a new pattern next to him in Aissa Mandi and was able to record an early clean sheet. Once Pau Torres is back with the team, there's sure to be more rotation in the defense, so pay attention to this situation, though all three of Albiol, Mandi and Torres are all capable players.

AUGUST 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Late sub Kepa helps Chelsea win UEFA Super Cup on penalties

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was brought on as a late substitute and saved two spot kicks as Chelsea beat Villarreal 6-5 in a penalty shootout to win the UEFA Super Cup

AUGUST 11, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS