Valencia Prepares for League Match Against Espanyol Amid Defensive Challenges

Valencia CF is meticulously preparing for their upcoming La Liga match against Espanyol, scheduled for Saturday at 16:30 in Mestalla. The team is closely monitoring training sessions, particularly concerning the central defense position, where coach Carlos Corberán will be without both Diakhaby and Tárrega due to injuries. Notably, Diakhaby has not been registered for the match owing to a long-term injury.

On Thursday, Copete participated in group training for the first time this week, although he did not complete the session due to lingering discomfort from a previous injury. The club has indicated that this partial session was planned to avoid risking the left-footed central defender, whose performance has significantly improved in recent matches. The only other available central defender on the roster is Eray Comert. Although Corberán had initially preferred to let Comert leave during the summer transfer window, he has seen limited playing time so far this season.

Comert was included in the squad against Getafe, sitting on the bench and listed in the official line-up, but reported discomfort on the morning of the match, preventing him from playing, as disclosed by Corberán post-game. The coach confirmed an “error in the squad selection” and elaborated on Comert’s physical issues, noting that the injury was not related to the hamstrings but rather to the hip, which affects the blood supply to the hamstrings and requires a different recovery process. Nonetheless, Comert successfully completed training on Thursday, so he could be available to play against Espanyol if no further complications arise.

Additionally, the option of utilizing Pepelu as a central defender remains in Corberán’s plans. In light of the temporary absences of central defenders during training, Pepelu has stepped into this role, having already played there against Getafe and occasionally in previous matches.

Another potential alternative for the central defense position is Alejandro Panach, a youth academy defender born in 2006, who was on the bench during the match at Coliseum. Corberán opted for Pepelu in that game, believing that the experience of a player out of position would be more beneficial.