Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulácsi returned to Villarreal training on Thursday, after being left out of the match against Napoli on Tuesday following the assault on his home on Monday night.
The incident occurred in the Gulácsi family's chalet, located in the Puçol urbanization, between Valencia and Villarreal. Several thieves broke in while the goalkeeper and his family were sleeping and, threatened with a weapon, took a number of objects, mainly bags and watches, for almost an hour. The incident left the player in a state of shock and prevented him from participating in the European match against the Italian club.
Villarreal recovered from the loss of their starting goalkeeper after the break granted by coach Iñigo Pérez on Wednesday. The team returned to the court on Thursday and Gulácsi exercised normally with his teammates. The goalkeeper had replaced LuizJúnior, who had a good performance in the match against Naples, and now the coach must decide who will start for Sunday's match against Elche.
Gulácsi's return is a relief for the squad, as his absence had created uncertainty in the goalkeeper position. The safety of players and their families continues to be a priority for the club, which has reinforced protective measures in its athletes' accommodation.
With the next match against Elche, Villarreal will have Gulácsi's experience in goal, although the coach will still evaluate his physical and mental fitness after the scare. The team prepares for the match with the expectation of reestablishing its defensive stability and continuing to compete in the group stage of the Champions League.