Celta sweat on Matías Vecino for Mestalla trip after soleus tear | OneFootball

Valencia could face Celta without Matías Vecino at Mestalla, after the Uruguayan sustained a myofascial fibre tear in his left soleus. According to Superdeporte, Celta have confirmed he is out for between two and three weeks, leaving his involvement in serious doubt.

Vecino came off against Olympique Lyonnais after feeling discomfort, and medical tests later confirmed the problem. He will definitely miss the meeting with Alavés, while his recovery for the Valencia fixture remains uncertain.

The international break should help his recovery, but even the most optimistic timeline would leave him racing the clock for Mestalla. Celta are reluctant to rush him back, with the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals on the horizon, so his availability will hinge on how he progresses in the coming days.

If the conservative schedule holds, his return would come later, increasing the chance Valencia meet a Celta side without one of their most influential midfielders.

Vecino has become a pivotal figure in the middle, providing balance, threat and experience. His absence would force the Celta coach to rejig the midfield and could reshape their plan at Mestalla.

They also have a confirmed long-term absentee, with Miguel Román out until the end of the season after surgery on a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

Source: Superdeporte