Fernando Calero - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Starts in friendly match Calero (ribs) started in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Cordoba on Thursday, according to Merchan en Directo.

Impact Calero has yet to play this season due to a rib injury sustained in the preseason, but he was considered to be in the final stages of recovery before the break, so his involvement in this friendly is certainly positive. Now that he's healthy, the veteran defender should be a regular starter at center-back for Malaga moving forward, and he could make his season debut against his former team, Espanyol, on Friday, Oct. 9.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Still not ready Calero (ribs) is still not ready to return to the matchday squad, according to coach Juanfran Funes. "He is in the final phase of his recovery process, he is in training, it's a ve...

Impact Calero had suffered a rib fracture back in preseason that was expected to sideline him for around a month, an injury that already cost him a significant stretch of Malaga's early season, including the LaLiga opener against Atletico Madrid. His continued absence extends that recovery, though coach Funes's comments suggest he is nearing the final stages before a return.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Out around a month Calero suffered a rib fracture during Friday's friendly against Ceuta and will be out for around a month, according to Deportes COPE Malaga.

Impact Calero suffered a heavy blow to his side and was forced off in the second half, immediately raising concern among coach Juanfran Funes' staff. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for around a month, ruling him out of Wednesday's Trofeo Costa del Sol against Fulham as well as Malaga's LaLiga opener against Atletico Madrid on Aug. 19. He could also miss the following fixtures against Deportivo La Coruna on Aug. 24 and Real Madrid on Aug. 30. Alex Pastor is expected to step in at center back in his absence. Calero joined Malaga on a free transfer from Espanyol this summer as a key defensive reinforcement, making his absence a significant blow to Funes' plans at the back.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Exits friendly with injury Calero exited Friday's friendly match against Ceuta with an apparent injury, according to Jairo Sanchez of 101TV.es.

Impact Calero exited the game with pain on the left side, though it's unclear whether he's dealing with a serious injury or not. Either way, expect Calero to ease up on his training workload in the coming days, as the goal is to have him fit and available for the season opener against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

AUGUST 7 • ROTOWIRE

Signs with Malaga Calero signed with Malaga for the 2026-27 season, with an option for an additional year, the club announced.

Impact Calero came through Malaga's academy for five seasons before making 66 appearances with the reserve side, and later returned to Real Valladolid where he helped the club earn promotion to La Liga in his first season with the first team. The center back went on to spend seven seasons with Espanyol, winning promotion to the top flight twice during that stretch. He arrives with more than 140 La Liga appearances to his name after his contract with Espanyol expired. Calero is expected to bring experience and stability to Malaga's backline under coach Juanfran Funes.

JULY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Suspension over Calero has cleared his one-game ban after Wednesday's match against Athletic Club.

Impact Calero made five straight starts prior to his absence in the midweek clash, so he should have a good chance to return in Clemens Riedel's place going forward. The experienced defender is averaging 4.7 clearances and 1.0 interceptions per game this campaign, but he lacks offensive upside in his center-back role.

MAY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Set for suspension Calero is suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation.

Impact Calero suffered a fifth yellow card of the season Saturday and is now set for a ban, as the defender will miss the match against Athletic on Wednesday. He will then return to face Osasuna on May 17 with only one match to go after. He is a starter, so this will force a change, with Clemens Riedel as a likely replacement.

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Available vs. Real Betis Calero (quadriceps) is in the squad list for Saturday's game against Real Betis.

Impact Calero joined full training Thursday and Friday, and he's been rewarded with a spot in the squad for a tough trip to Real Betis. The defender should return to the starting XI right away in place of Clemens Riedel.

APRIL 3 • ROTOWIRE

Should return Saturday Calero (quadriceps) rejoined full team training Thursday after three weeks away and is on track to be available for Saturday's clash against Real Betis, according to El 1900.

Impact Calero had been deliberately shut down by the club to ensure a full recovery rather than continuing to manage the discomfort on a game-by-game basis, and the international break gave him exactly the window he needed. His availability for Saturday will depend on how he responds in the final training session of the week before Espanyol travel to Sevilla, but the signs are encouraging. Once fully fit, Calero should regain his starting role in central defense, with Clemens Riedel having covered in his absence during a difficult stretch for the White and Blues.

APRIL 3 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out until break Calero (undisclosed) won't be an option until after the March international break to allow him to recover fully from his issues, according to coach Manolo Gonzalez.

Impact Calero has been dealing with lingering muscle issues and hasn't been able to fully shake off the discomfort, so the staff and coach Manolo Gonzalez opted to shut him down until after the March international break to give him the time needed to recover properly and get back to 100 percent. In the meantime, Clemens Riedel is set to take over the starting role in central defense for the Catalans.

MARCH 14 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for Elche game Calero (undisclosed) is a bench option for Sunday's clash versus Elche.

Impact Calero was in doubt because of a muscular injury but won't miss time, although he'll begin as a sub rather than starting as he normally does. Clemens Riedel is filling in for him from the get-go. Calero has logged at least one clearance in 14 consecutive appearances, amassing 70, adding 17 blocks and 17 interceptions and contributing to two clean sheets over that span.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Could be sidelined Sunday Calero (muscular) is dealing with some discomfort and could miss Sunday's clash against Elche, coach Manolo Gonzalez said in the press conference.

Impact Calero is still battling muscular discomfort and could being sidelined for Sunday's matchup against Elche. The defender will be evaluated over the next few hours to determine whether he can get the green light, but if he's ruled out, it would be a real setback for the Catalans given he's a locked-in starter along the back line when healthy. If he can't go, Clemens Riedel is in line to step into the starting XI and fill that vacancy in defense.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Finds starting role Calero (quadriceps) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Atletico Madrid.

Impact Calero is in the starting XI for the matchup against Atletico Madrid after missing the previous clash against Celta Vigo with a quadriceps injury. The defender has been a mainstay in the starting XI, making 17 starts across 19 appearances this season, and his return should help solidify the back line.

FEBRUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Could be available Saturday Calero (quadriceps) might be available to play against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, manager Manolo Gonzalez told media Friday. "If there's nothing new, the whole squad should be av...

Impact Calero picked up the injury in the last game against Villarreal, and while he wasn't spotted in training earlier in the week, it seems he'll still travel to Madrid for a tough matchup against Atletico. Calero has been a regular starter for Espanyol this season and has been part of the XI in 17 of his 19 appearances.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Remains doubtful Calero (quadriceps) is still in recovery and wasn't spotted in team training Thursday, making him a doubt for Saturday's clash against Atletico, according to El 1900.

Impact Calero was subbed off at halftime against Villarreal after taking a knock to his quadriceps, an issue that already ruled him out of the last match versus Celta Vigo. The defender is still in recovery mode and was not back in full team training Thursday, putting his availability for Saturday's showdown with the Colchoneros in serious doubt. If he cannot turn things around in time, Clemens Riedel is lined up to step into the back line once again for the Catalans.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Not training Friday Calero (undisclosed) wasn't spotted in team training Friday and is a doubt for Saturday's clash against Celta Vigo, according to El 1900.

Impact Calero was pulled at halftime last match for undisclosed reasons and was not seen in training Friday, one day ahead of Saturday's showdown with Celta Vigo. The defender appears to be dealing with some discomfort and is now a real question mark for the clash with the Celeste. If he is ruled out, Clemens Riedel is in line to step into the starting XI and hold down the spot until Calero is cleared to return.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Effective as defensive sub Villa appeared in 21 matches, including six starts for Espanyol during the 2024 campaign.

Impact Villa saw limited time on the pitch, playing more than 30 minutes in a match just seven times on the season. His only goal contribution came in a game where he played 23 minutes as a sub and it was his only shot on target of the season. On the other hand, he was relatively effective in his defensive role, with totals of 10 tackles won, nine blocks and 16 interceptions. He also accounted for 47 clearances, working out to an average of one clearance for every 15 minutes played.

JUNE 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores winner as sub Calero scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 win against Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Calero subbed on in the second half and scored the game-winner in the 86th minute with his first goal in the season. The centerback could not do much stat-wise during his 23 minutes in the field. That was his 10th appearance (three starts) so far.

FEBRUARY 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

DEPORTIVO ALAVÉS 0 - 1 RCD ESPANYOL I RESUMEN LALIGA EA SPORTS

FEBRUARY 22, 2025 • YOUTUBE

Will be available Saturday Calero (Achilles) will be available for Saturday's game against Osasuna, manager Manolo Gonzalez told media during Friday's pre-match press conference. "[Fernando] Calero will be w...

Impact Calero was expected to be available for this matchup, and even though that'll be the case, all signs point to him being on the bench and seeing a few minutes. Espanyol are particularly depleted on the defensive end, so the return of Calero is certainly a positive sign for a struggling team.

DECEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Likely for Osasuna match Calero (achilles) is eyeing a return against Osasuna on Dec. 14, according to manager Manolo Gonzalez. Calero has started... tomorrow we will try in training to see how he is, but...

Impact Calero is nearing a return, although he will not be an option against Getafe, instead eying a return against Osasuna in their next contest. This is positive news, as he will likely see a bench spot in that game, hoping to see minutes later on in the contest.

DECEMBER 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Another absence coming Calero (Achilles) is out for Saturday's match against Celta Vigo, manager Manolo Gonzalez told media during Friday's pre-match press conference. "Calero and Gragera are out, and Ex...

Impact Calero is set to miss a fifth straight match due to the Achilles injury, and he doesn't have a clear timetable for a return. However, he hasn't been a regular even when available, so his absence shouldn't affect many fantasy decisions.

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing vs. Girona Calero (Achilles) is out for Saturday's game against Girona, manager Manolo Gonzalez told media Friday. "Calero is out because we want to make sure he's completely healthy once he...

Impact Calero hasn't been a regular even when available, but the center-back is now set to miss a fourth consecutive match due to a nagging Achiles problem. The defender has been limited to just two starts and three appearances in 2024/25, so he's not expected to play a big role in most fantasy formats even when available.

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play vs. Athletic Calero won't be available to face Athletic Club on Saturday due to an Achilles injury, Alex Biescas of Diario AS reports.

Impact This is not the first time Calero has dealt with tendinitis on his Achilles, and it's unclear how long the injury will sideline him. The defender has made just two starts this season, however, so his absence won't represent a big deal in fantasy formats.

OCTOBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

On bench Saturday Calero (ankle) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Real Madrid.

Impact Calero has returned from his ankle issues, ending a one-match absence. The defender had started in the two matches before his injury, so he will look to find the starting XI in their next match after getting time to test his legs against Real Madrid.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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