Mojica receives medical attention after feeling discomfort.
/ Guillem Bosch
César Mateu
Palma
Mallorca’s physical condition has hit a critical point with just three games left in the season. The squad is drained, and in every match, a player signals for a substitution because they can no longer keep up with the pace. This Sunday, Mateu Morey, Mojica, and Pablo Torre all raised their arms to be replaced in the second half of the draw against Villarreal due to exhaustion.
Without Samu Costa on Wednesday
This is not an isolated case but a recurring theme throughout the campaign. Players struggle to complete 90 minutes, and with rare exceptions like Samu Costa—who, to make matters worse, will miss Wednesday’s match against Getafe due to an accumulation of yellow cards—they lack the necessary energy in the final stages. And it’s not about lack of effort. It was clear yesterday, but the same happened at home three weeks ago against Valencia.
The heat, as the game was played at 2 PM, likely played a role, but it only serves as an excuse to mask the underlying issue: poor physical form.
This is worrying because Mallorca faces two crucial matches for survival in the next seven days. Rest time is limited, and the only player who covers ground like an athlete is suspended.
Three Injury-Related Substitutions
Mateu Morey’s substitution was understandable, as he had not started since February against Barcelona. However, the situation of the Cantabrian midfielder is more striking: he has match rhythm but his body cannot sustain a full game. Since Martin Demichelis took over, Morey has started all nine matches under the Argentine coach but has been substituted in every one. His physical level drops after about an hour. The farthest he went was against Valencia: the 85th minute.
Mojica, Doubtful for Getafe
Johan Mojica presents a different case and will be a doubt for the Getafe match. He usually completes games and is only replaced for tactical reasons. He asked to come off, though it seems to have been just a scare. Toni Lato replaced him and, after a collision in his first action of the match, also complained of discomfort but finished the game.
The Argentine coach surprised everyone by not using all his substitutions, as other players such as Mascarell, Muriqi, Luvumbo, and Sergi Darder also reached their limits. Three matches remain, and the solution, if there is one, is far from simple.
