Rubén Vargas faces a chance to step up after Miguel Sierra’s injury

Miguel Sierra’s injury could give Rubén Vargas the opportunity to take on greater responsibility at Sevilla. Sierra will need surgery and is set to be out for at least three months with a dislocated shoulder. The club is looking for the Switzerland international to step up after several months on the sidelines, apart from the World Cup break.

Vargas has also been troubled by a knee problem, which so far has allowed him to play only occasional minutes. He used the break to get back in shape and is theoretically expected to be fully fit this week.

His situation had also involved the possibility of a move. Before the transfer window closed, Olympiacos was close to completing a deal, and Vargas missed two league squads to “avoid taking risks”, in García Plaza’s words.

Several options are being considered on the right wing in Sierra’s absence. Alfon, who replaced him at Ciutat de Valencia after his injury, is one possibility, as is Nigerian player Ejuke. Skilled at dribbling, Ejuke has not fully convinced García Plaza, particularly because of his defensive shortcomings and somewhat improvised style of play. Sierra’s injury therefore presents Vargas with a chance to reclaim a more significant role, while the staff also have alternatives on the right.