ST Johnstone confirmed that new winger Unax Alvarez will miss the start of the Premier Sports Cup after twisting his ankle in a pre‑season friendly. The 24‑year‑old arrived from Deportivo Guadalajara following their drop from Spain’s third tier, but a ligament twist means he will sit out the group‑stage opener on 14 July.

How did the injury happen?

Alvarez was involved in the 4‑0 win over Forfar Athletic last week when he landed awkwardly after a sprint down the left flank. Head coach Simo Valakari told Saints TV, “The good news is nothing is broken. It is just a twisted ligament, so it will be a couple of weeks unfortunately.” The medical team expects a short recovery, but the timing clashes with the cup debut against Linlithgow Rose.

Who else could fill the gap?

Valakari hinted that defender Morgan Boyes and forward Louis Lloyd are more likely to travel to the Tuesday match. “Louis, the good news, MRI is clear, so I hope him in some capacity will join the team training next week,” he said. He added, “And same with Morgan Boyes. He's been working very hard, already on the field with our physios. I think he will take some part in football training next week.” Both players have featured regularly in the recent winning streak.

What does this mean for the squad’s momentum?

ST Johnstone entered the pre‑season with a 5‑game winning run (WWWWW) and sit 1st in the Championship, 77 points from 36 games (22W‑11D‑3L). Their recent form includes a 5‑0 victory over Montrose, where 21‑year‑old goalkeeper Craig Hepburn earned praise: “We all need to thank Heppy, our goalkeeper – he was fantastic. He made the saves. He kept us in the game and that's why we have three good goalkeepers.” The club leads the table by 11 points over Partick, boasting 67 goals scored and only 25 conceded.

What’s next for Alvarez and the Saints?

Valakari remains optimistic that Alvarez will join training within the next week, adding depth to a side that already boasts a strong attacking line‑up. The winger’s arrival was meant to bolster a unit that has already produced 67 goals this season, with S. Mallan leading the charts with 2 goals in 11 appearances. If Alvarez recovers on schedule, he could feature in the league run‑in, where the Saints aim to extend their lead.

ST Johnstone’s last competitive result was a 1‑0 win away at Ayr Utd on 1 May 2026. With the club perched at the summit of the Championship and a solid defensive record (25 conceded), the short‑term loss of Alvarez is unlikely to derail their title push. Fans will be watching the rehab updates closely, hoping the new signing can contribute before the season’s final stretch.

The club’s confidence remains high. Valakari summed it up: “We all need to thank the commitment, attitude, ownership, responsibility for the team – it’s there and that gives us the foundation to be successful.”