Diakhaby ‘to consider’ surgery, Valencia could gain Fair Play leeway | OneFootball

Mouctar Diakhaby suffered a right hamstring injury at Balaídos that may have ended his season. The problem could require surgery, which would rule him out for at least four to six months. It would be another setback after a year sidelined by a knee dislocation.

Valencia initially announced, after first tests following the Celta match, that he would follow a medical, physio and reconditioning plan at the training ground. After further examinations in recent days, the muscle tear was deemed more serious and, as El Desmarque reports, an operation is under consideration.

The severity is shaping the January market plan. A centre-back was already targeted despite Tárrega, Copete, Cömert and Diakhaby in the squad. This setback increases the need in terms of quality and quantity.

LaLiga’s budget rules include long-term injury cases under article 107. If club medics confirm an absence longer than four months and LaLiga approves, Valencia could allocate around 2 million euros, about 40% of his wages, to replace him.

The club could also, if required, deregister Diakhaby to free a spot. With Sadiq’s arrival, Carlos Corberán’s squad stands at 24, so one addition is already possible. If the centre-back has season-ending surgery and accepts deregistration, a second winter signing could come in without an exit.

Source: AS