Julen Agirrezabala ‘could miss’ the season as Valencia await knee tests | OneFootball

Valencia have suffered another setback, with Julen Agirrezabala a major doubt for the remainder of the campaign due to a knee problem.

According to El Chiringuito, the goalkeeper may have significant meniscus damage, with further tests to assess the extent and whether surgery is required. If confirmed, the blow could rule him out for the rest of the season.

He had seemed to recover from a recent muscle injury sustained against Celta de Vigo, but was omitted from the Osasuna squad after hurting his knee in training. The Basque stopper is on loan from Athletic Club.

Until now, Julen had been Corberán’s first choice and had impressed during a poor run of results. His absence has been covered convincingly by Stole Dimitrievski, whose form could keep him in the side. Dimitrievski also has a higher clean-sheet rate, 41.7% overall compared to 26.3% for Julen.

The immediate future of the position rests with Dimitrievski, with Rivero as back-up. Although the former Rayo goalkeeper’s deal runs to 30 June, Valencia hold a unilateral option to extend by two seasons, which would require an additional payment of around a quarter of a million euros. Buying Julen outright would cost close to 10 million euros to Athletic Club, a scenario that appears highly unlikely.

Source: Superdeporte