Laporte back in squad, Nico Williams included but Vivián and Berenguer out | OneFootball

Laporte returns to the squad for the Copa quarter-final at Mestalla, with Nico Williams named but Vivián and Berenguer absent. According to El Correo, Valverde hoped for good news on the defender and would speak to the doctor before naming his list.

It is almost two months since his last call-up in early December, and he is the only centre-back with a chance to face Valencia. Paredes is suspended and Vivián has not trained in the past week, while Egiluz is progressing and Yeray is back in training but cannot compete until April.

Berenguer is also unavailable after an injection on Monday to manage foot pain. Nico Williams is dealing with pubis issues but has been included, while Sancet remains out alongside Maroan and Prados.

With options thin at centre-back, Yuri has recently been used as an emergency solution. There could be no senior central defenders available, so a promotion from the reserves is under consideration.

Valverde has taken Iker Monreal, De Luis and Eder García from the B team to Mestalla. Monreal, born 2005, has travelled regularly since December without debuting. Padilla has been confirmed as a starter.

Source: El Correo