LaLiga side Deportivo Alavés have reportedly begun contingency planning to find a replacement for Malaysia National Team defender Facundo Garces, as concerns mount over their defensive depth.
According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, the need has become increasingly urgent despite Nahuel Tenaglia and Jon Pacheco currently being the preferred options at centre-back. Head coach Eduardo Coudet is said to be short of reliable alternatives in that position, raising alarm within the club’s hierarchy.
The situation has been further complicated by Garces’ ongoing FIFA suspension, with the defender still awaiting a final ruling after his case — along with six other Malaysian players — was taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following an appeal by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Alavés are wary that the lack of depth at centre-back could drag the club into a relegation battle, with the season entering a critical phase.
Currently sitting on 18 points, Alavés are only three points clear of Girona, who occupy the relegation zone in 18th place with 15 points from 17 matches. Any prolonged absence of key personnel could prove costly in the tight lower half of the table.
The CAS verdict involving seven players, including Garces, and FAM is expected to be delivered before Malaysia’s international fixtures against Vietnam in March 2026, a decision that could have significant implications for both club and country.
Credit Photo : Deportivo Alaves
