Tárrega injury deepens Valencia defensive crisis and piles pressure on transfer plans | OneFootball

Valencia’s defensive problems deepened as Tárrega left on 30 minutes at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. He had tried to play on after breaking down, even with the doctor urging a change, but lasted only a few minutes more.

He had been managing discomfort and went to ground with pain in his left knee. According to Superdeporte, the issue could keep him out against Espanyol, another pivotal fixture for Valencia, and it increases pressure on the club’s work in the transfer market.

As of the 18th the club had still not signed a centre-back, despite months spent searching. Corberán’s pleas for reinforcements did not speed things up even after Diakhaby was sidelined weeks ago.

Corberán turned to Pepelu as an emergency centre-back instead of Cömert, the notional fourth choice. Cömert had featured in the Copa del Rey only days earlier and in LaLiga against Atlético Madrid.

The staff had already trialled Pepelu in the back line during recent sessions, including over the last week. They had also explored that option in recent months when centre-backs faced fitness doubts.

Source: Superdeporte