Jesús Navas returns to a league call for Sevilla three and a half months later. His last intervention in the championship dates back to October 30when he jumped onto the pitch to play the last half hour of the duel against Osasuna in Nervión. Three days later, the world champion suffered a muscle injury against Lille in the Champions Leaguewhich together with an alleged positive for COVID, which was not confirmed, when he returned to training they had him out until last Thursday. Navas came out in the final minutes of the duel against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League and Sánchez Pizjuán fell apart.
These physical problems have caused Jesús Navas to miss 19 games between LaLiga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Something unheard of in the palace’s career, but reminiscent of what happened to him in the 2006/07 season. Because 15 years ago, Sevilla and Espanyol disputed the UEFA final that ended up falling for Nervión in the penalty shootout. And Jesús Navas was a substitute in said final since some ankle problems were weighing him down throughout the season. He did not miss as many games in a row as now, but he was in and out of the eleven and the calls throughout the course.
Navas came out in the second half of the final and assisted a goal. Today, Lopetegui has casualties behind and doubts whether to start or not bet on an essential player but who cannot lose due to a relapse.