Stavros Pelios has set himself up for an improved role in January and has made the most of his opportunity, although AEK must be prepared for all eventualities.
On New Year's Day, the absence of Ehsan Hadjisafi and Milan Mohammadi was confirmed at AEK, as both Iranian full-backs are in their national team's call-up for the Asian Cup of Nations. His duties last until January 23, although Iran is likely to continue, so he will be back.
So Stavros Pelios is gearing up to start the next few games (hard to do in all of them due to the many games in a row) against Volos in the first leg at the OPAP Arena on January 3rd. 2024 to play Union. It was the 23-year-old full-back's best “rehearsal”. Before that a derby with Olympiakos in Karaiskakis, before a derby with Panathinaikos in New Philadelphia, he also had Betsson Greek Cup games. with Aries (January 10 and 17).
There are no other “pure bloods” at the moment, so Mathias Almeida will turn to an internal solution to fill the “potential” gap of Pelios.
Of course, there is always a chance to get a left-back, but not to cover the gap on the left, but the main team jersey for a quality football player and defenders with the arrival of two Iranians.
Solutions behind Pelion
However, in the first phase, AEK will go to the left end of the defense with solutions already on its list. Behind Pelios, the most valuable solution for the left-back position is Djibril Sidibe.
The French full-back has played a total of 89 times in his career at this position, he has also worked for AEK and there, in fact, with the yellow and black in the league, he made his debut in this position, away from home against Levadeiakos. However, the French full-back is currently on the pitch due to injury and will not feature any competition for Pelion until he returns.
With Sidibe on the left end of defence, Alexander Callens can also play in special situations. The Peruvian central defender does not have the same experience as Sidibe, having only played six games. Logic dictates that there must be a huge demand for him to play in this position, as the defensive center is missing the crown for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Of course, Almeida could be as different beyond the two in mind as Lázaros Rota playing on the wrong foot.
Vida is waiting
Tomakoi Vida took a knock in training and picked up a concussion, but his condition will be assessed day-to-day. There is certainly tension in the Union camp in the first leg for the game with Volos.
However, his injury isn't as concerning as Pineda's (who suffered a similar injury) who missed the last few games in 2023. If the Croatian stopper doesn't make it, the beans will be counted for Union and it will be Callens' partner Simos Midoklou.
The two have teamed up four times this season, on their Peruvian debut with the yellow and black and AEK double at Leoforos, the next two league games (a win against Atromitos and a loss against OFI) and last match against Kifisia in Kesariani.
