Leandro Cabrera returns to the RCD Espanyol defence after serving a three-match suspension, leaving Clemens Riedel and Vanja Drkušić without having seized their opportunity. The Uruguayan centre-back reclaims his starting spot for this weekend's match against Sevilla, as reported by FutbolFantasy.com. The captain's absence opened a gap in the heart of defence during the first three LaLiga matchdays, but neither of his deputies managed to claim it definitively.
Who played in Cabrera's place?
Manolo González first tried Clemens Riedel. The German partnered Unai Núñez in the 3-0 win over Levante at the RCDE Stadium. His involvement in the defeat against Real Madrid was more limited, however. Riedel was substituted in the 66th minute, affected by a yellow card he received for stopping Kylian Mbappé. Vanja Drkušić came on in his place and was involved in the final phase of the match, which ended with Carlos Espí's 1-2 goal.
González's next decision was to start Drkušić for the trip to Anoeta. The Slovenian played the full 90 minutes alongside Núñez, but the team lost 2-0 to Real Sociedad. His performance did not include a clear individual error for the goals, which stemmed from collective losses and mistakes. But he also failed to provide the necessary authority to correct those situations. Oyarzabal found space to assist Barrenetxea and Óskarsson, while goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović prevented a heavier defeat.
What does each defender offer RCD Espanyol?
Clemens Riedel showed his qualities in the first match. He offers anticipation, high energy, and is a threat in aerial play, both defensively and in attack. Against Madrid, he even joined the opposition's box and forced Thibaut Courtois into a save. Vanja Drkušić, on the other hand, brings more experience and physicality in duels. That veteran status earned him González's latest decision, as he was named in the starting lineup in San Sebastián.
Yet the Slovenian failed to cement that advantage with a solid performance. The analysis from FutbolFantasy.com concludes that neither player managed to displace Leandro Cabrera at the heart of the defence. The 35-year-old Uruguayan is a natural leader in the dressing room and has over 150 official appearances for the club. His return provides an immediate boost for a defensive line that has conceded five goals in the last two matches. You can check the team's complete performance on our stats page.
How does the defence look going forward?
With Cabrera available, he is expected to reclaim his place alongside Unai Núñez. The Basque centre-back has actually emerged stronger from these first three matchdays, cementing his place in Manolo González's plans. The competition for the other spot, however, remains open. If the manager maintains rotation, Drkušić holds a slight edge over Riedel for having been the last one chosen.
Defensive solidity will be key during a busy schedule. The team faces an important run of games you can follow on our fixtures page. Strength at the back will be essential to climb the standings, where Espanyol seeks stability after an irregular start. Cabrera's return brings hierarchy and experience at a necessary moment for the Cornellà-El Prat side.
