Luis Rioja ruled out of Valencia v Barcelona at Mestalla | OneFootball

Valencia will be without Luis Rioja for Sunday’s meeting with Barcelona at Mestalla, the winger ruled out after missing the final training session.

According to Superdeporte, the Andalusian winger has been dealing with physical discomfort throughout the week and has not trained normally, with his absence from the final session confirming he will not feature.

The setback is significant given Rioja started Valencia’s last match, against Deportivo de La Coruña, indicating he had moved into the manager’s plans for the opening rounds of LaLiga.

There was better news as Pablo Maffeo and Kayne Van Oevelen trained with the group and, unless there is a late setback, will be available for the Barcelona game.

Valencia must now find an alternative on the flank where Rioja has been prominent as they prepare for one of their toughest early-season fixtures.

Source: Superdeporte

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