UD Las Palmas starts pre‑season hoping Jeremía Recoba regains form and earns minutes under Rubén de la Barrera. The Uruguayan forward, who arrived from Nacional in the summer 2025 transfer for about €700,000, returns after an anterior cruciate ligament rupture that sidelined him since October.

What does his return mean for the squad?

The club sits 5th in Segunda División with 73 points, after 20 wins, 13 draws and 9 losses in 42 games; recent form is D‑L‑W‑D‑W. With 57 goals scored and 40 conceded (+17 goal difference), they are still 9 points behind leaders Racing Santander. Recoba’s comeback adds an attacking option that could ease the load on Ale García and Manu Fuster.

How will he fit into De la Barrera’s new system?

De la Barrera prefers a dynamic style, with wingers cutting in and forwards moving between lines. Recoba, able to play as a centre‑forward, second striker or on either flank, will face fierce competition: Ale García, Manu Fuster, Taisei Miyashiro, Jesé Rodríguez and the soon‑to‑be‑signed Jefté Betancor. The club is also hunting an additional winger, which may limit his chances if he does not show speed and precision in training.

Why is his recovery crucial now?

The Uruguayan showed flashes of talent in his brief spell, but the injury at Los Cármenes halted his progress. Luis García, his former coach, noted he needed more time to adapt to European football. With the season underway and the promotion race tight, every point matters; a fit Recoba could provide the goals needed to close the gap with Racing.

What challenges does he face in his comeback?

After surgery, Recoba has watched training from afar and worked on his physical and mental rehab. He now must prove his pace and finishing are still intact. The pressure is high: fans expect the son of "Chino" Recoba to regain confidence and contribute to the island’s attack. His next test will be earning minutes in friendly matches before the league begins.

The road will be tough, but the chance is on the table. If he reaches full fitness, Recoba could become a key piece in UD Las Palmas’s push for promotion.