Copete rehabilitating in Navarra as Valencia face defensive squeeze | OneFootball

Valencia centre-back Copete is rehabilitating in Navarra rather than at Paterna, a situation that leaves him set to miss pre-season while the club reshuffle at centre-back.

According to 90 Minuts, the Andalusian is following a plan similar to that advised by the club’s medical staff, but has chosen not to complete it at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna.

Copete joined last summer from Mallorca for around three million euros, arriving days after Mosquera left for Arsenal, with the aim of competing with Diakhaby and Tárrega for a place in the starting line-up.

He established himself as a starter in central defence until 22 February, when an injury ended his season. The issue became more complicated than expected and could keep him out until October.

Calos Corberán has recruited Iker Córdoba to the first team at least until the January window, with only Tárrega and new signing De Haas seen as reliable centre-backs.

Diakhaby remains injured without a clear return date and the club are seeking an exit for him. Cenk returns from a loan at Colonia, but they are also working on a move away from Mesalla.

The situation is also a setback for Valencia’s medical department after Copete’s public dissatisfaction with the treatment he has received in recent months. The day after the final league match, he referenced those circumstances and said he would keep working.

Source: AS