Héctor Fort is already looking ahead to his return

Elche CF fullback Héctor Fort, on loan from FC Barcelona until the end of the season, said Thursday that he is eager to play again and “breathe” the grass and football after spending more than three months sidelined following the shoulder injury he suffered in the final match of 2025 and the surgery that followed.

Fort, who was medically cleared earlier this week, will now be available to head coach Eder Sarabia for the next match on Wednesday, April 22, at home against Atlético de Madrid at 7:00 p.m. local time.

“I’m very happy. I really wanted this moment. It has been three long months, but the important thing is that I’m back now,” the Catalan defender told the club’s official media outlets. He also described the injury as “a bucket of cold water,” as it came after a run of starts that had made him an important player for the team.

“In the end, things happen when you least expect them or when you are feeling your best. I had to accept it as quickly as possible with the help of my partner, family and friends. That made it easier for me to get through it,” Fort explained. He added that he feels “very good physically,” since the shoulder injury did not prevent him from continuing lower body training.

“In the end, no season is perfect. Every team goes through bad stretches. There are seven games left, and I see the team with a lot of desire and a clear objective. We’re going to give everything we have to earn as many points as possible,” said the Barcelona native regarding the club’s current situation.

Elche CF sits third from bottom with 32 points, one point away from the safety zone currently occupied by Deportivo Alavés.