Valencia’s football squad is set to face their local rivals Levante in an eagerly anticipated derby at Mestalla tonight. However, the team will be without central defender Cömert, who has been ruled out at the last minute due to a virus that prevents him from participating in the match.
In a boost for the squad, Foulquier and Ugrinic are set to make their return to the lineup. Head coach Carlos Corberán confirmed during yesterday’s press conference that both players are included in the squad, although he cautioned that being named in the roster does not guarantee their full fitness due to their prolonged recovery from injuries. “It is positive to have them back,” Corberán stated.
Foulquier last played on September 30 against Oviedo and has missed five league matches, during which Thierry has taken the starting role. Meanwhile, Ugrinic has been absent since September 23 when he last played against Cornellà. The return of these two players offers additional depth to the team’s bench as Corberán prepares to potentially repeat the starting eleven that drew against Betis in the previous league match.
On the contrary, Diakhaby and Ramazani will remain sidelined as they continue to recover from their injuries. Diakhaby is not expected back until December, while Ramazani may make a return in the next match against Rayo Vallecano. To fill the gaps, Corberán has included youth players Rubo Iranzo and David Otorbi in the squad.
For Levante, they come into the match with a fully available squad, except for injured players Pablo Martínez and Carlos Espí. Kervin Arriaga and Mathew Ryan participated in the final training session despite the fatigue from their recent international travel and are likely to be included in coach Calero’s starting eleven.
In a show of community spirit, more than 500 Levante fans are expected to march from their stadium to Mestalla, gathering at Orriols at 18:45 before beginning their route at 19:00.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an exciting encounter, the return of key players for Valencia represents a hopeful sign for fans looking for their team to build momentum in the league.