Valencia squad named for Vitoria, and to meet Braulio Vázquez | OneFootball

Valencia have named their travelling party for Vitoria for Tuesday's match at Deportivo Alavés, with Luis Rioja and Guido Rodríguez back, though the defence remains threadbare. According to Superdeporte, the group left Paterna by coach to catch a flight and are due to meet new sporting director Braulio Vázquez at the team hotel.

Interim coach Óscar Sánchez must improvise at centre-back. With César Tárrega out and Copete still nearing the end of his recovery, Justin De Haas is the only first-team registered centre-back available.

Iker Córdoba could start alongside De Haas after rejoining the squad, while Sánchez is also weighing the option of moving Pepelu into defence to partner the Dutchman.

The crisis again opens the door to academy players. Along with Córdoba, Aimar Blázquez, Mayol, Otorbi and Panach travel, prospects Sánchez knows well from daily work with the reserves after taking charge at short notice.

Rioja and Guido add options elsewhere. Neither featured in the defeat to Sevilla, but both are available as Valencia look to respond after a start well below expectations.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”