Next Steps for the Submarine

Let's put yesterday's match in the rear-view mirror, shall we? Next up: a trip to Spain's second-largest city to face Espanyol on Sunday. Hopefully it's our last game with a second-division bench.

Today's must-read: an article by Graham Hunter of ESPN on the long-term impact of Villarreal's injuries. Giuseppe Rossi has some decisions to make, as do Sr. Roig and club management. Where are we going over the next few years? A return to the Champions League in 2012-13 may be a tough ask.

And more scuttlebutt on winter transfers:

Striker Adrián López of Atlético Madrid is not on his way to El Madrigal. At least not yet. The prolific Spanish U-21 scorer and former Deportivo and Málaga man is currently worth more than €6 million to the rojiblancos. But Marca suggests a summer offer might be accepted, or when Radamel Falcao García starts scoring again.

Old hand Javier Saviola of Benfica is another rumored option. He has fallen out of favor in Portugal, just like a former Villarreal player who landed in Lisbon over the summer. Wonder if that helps or hurts any future negotiations.

Onward and upward. The B team visits Elche for a derbi on Saturday. Keep it here for coverage.