Pablo Maffeo has been included in the starting lineup for "RCD Mallorca's" first preseason friendly in Austria against "Al-Ahli Dubai", despite the player's expressed desire to leave the club. The Spanish defender's appearance comes as a surprise after his transfer negotiations with "Nottingham Forest" recently collapsed.
Mallorca's coach has opted for a formation featuring three central defenders, with Valjent, David López, and Lato taking those positions. Maffeo and young Franco-Moroccan Salhi will operate on the wings, while Morlanes and Jan Salas form the double pivot in midfield. The attack features Pablo Torre and Luna on the flanks with Abdón leading the offensive line.
Interestingly, several players are missing from today's squad due to minor physical issues. Raíllo, Samu Costa, and Japanese international Takuma Asano are all sitting out as they manage early preseason discomforts.
The remaining squad members are expected to get minutes in the second half of the match, barring any unexpected developments before substitution time.
The friendly match is taking place at the Grenzlandstadion Arena in Kufstein, marking the Spanish club's first test of their Austrian training camp. Will Maffeo's inclusion today signal a change in his transfer situation? For now, he remains a Mallorca player on the pitch.
