José Gayà
VAL
Set for tests after nasal injury
Gaya is scheduled to undergo medical examinations Monday after suffering a heavy blow to his nose during Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Villarreal and is expected to be rested for Wednesday's Copa del Rey encounter against Tavernes, according to Superdeporte.
Analysis: Gaya sustained a painful facial injury during Saturday's encounter against Villarreal after being struck by Pape Gueye's elbow around the 80th minute, resulting in significant bleeding and a straight red card for the opposing midfielder following a VAR review. Despite the incident, the Valencia captain managed to complete the match, although further examinations are necessary to determine whether he suffered a nasal fracture. The medical staff will also assess whether he requires a protective mask, something the experienced left-back has previously worn following facial injuries. Valencia are planning to rest Gaya for Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash against Tavernes as a precautionary measure, with the primary objective of having him available for Sunday's La Liga encounter against Elche. His participation in that fixture will depend on the results of Monday's examinations, although the fact that he completed Saturday's match offers some encouragement regarding the severity of the injury.
Makes five tackles in win
Gaya registered two crosses (one accurate) and five tackles in Tuesday's 1-0 victory against Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Gaya led Valencia matching his season-highs in tackles to help them keep the clean sheet and earn three points on the road. The left-back also made the second-most clearances for his side. That was his third start in four overall appearances so far.
Training fully in preseason camp
Gaya is training normally with the squad at Valencia's preseason camp in Girona, the club posted.
Analysis: Gaya was substituted in the 63rd minute of Valencia's draw with Rayo Vallecano in May after suffering a right quadriceps injury that ruled him out for the season's final two matches against Real Sociedad and Barcelona. The captain has since recovered and is now training fully with the squad at Valencia's preseason camp in Girona, with no signs of any lingering limitation. He is working in the same group as new arrivals Justin De Haas, Aliou Dieng, and Ryunosuke Sato as Carlos Corberan puts his squad through its opening sessions ahead of the new LALIGA campaign.
Muscular injury confirmed
Gaya has been diagnosed with a right quadriceps muscle injury after undergoing medical tests Saturday, according to the team.
Analysis: Gaya is out for Sunday's visit to Real Sociedad, with this issue potentially marking the end of the season for him, as he'll be unlikely to return in the final week against Barcelona. He was a regular starter at left-back throughout the campaign, scoring one goal and delivering two assists across 32 La Liga matches. Jesus Vazquez is expected to fill in while Gaya is sidelined.
Not available Sunday
Gaya (undisclosed) will not be available for Sunday's clash against Real Sociedad after undergoing tests, according to coach Carlos Corberan, per TribunaVCF. "Saravia and Gaya will not be available. Today they have tests."
Analysis: Gaya had been forced off during the second half of Thursday's draw against Rayo Vallecano with apparent muscle discomfort, and the medical examinations have confirmed he cannot feature at the weekend. The veteran left-back had not missed a game since January before this setback, making his absence a real blow for Valencia heading into the final stretch of their season. Jesus Vazquez is expected to step in at left-back in his place against Real Sociedad.
Leaves Rayo match with injury
Gaya was forced off after feeling discomfort during the second half of Thursday's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Gaya had a decent outing at left-back but finished with an apparent muscle injury. While he'll need to be assessed ahead of future matchups, his unavailability would leave the squad without a solid contributor in both attacking and defensive aspects. Gaya hasn't missed a game since January but has occasionally been replaced by Jesus Vazquez, who could fill in for him if the injury is significant.
Sets up goal in win
Gaya assisted once to go with seven crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 win against Girona.
Analysis: Gaya is known for being a threat on the left side of the field, and in one of his many runs in this match, he sent a cross that was nodded home by Umar Sadiq. This was Gaya's first assist since November, but the veteran left-back still possesses a high floor due to his attacking involvement.
Option moving forward
Gaya (undisclosed) has returned to full training this week and is in contention to start Tuesday's clash against Mallorca, the club posted.
Analysis: Gaya had been forced off in the 75th minute of Saturday's clash against Elche, raising concerns over his fitness, but completing a full week of training is a clean bill of health heading into the midweek fixture. The veteran left-back should slot back into his starting role against Mallorca, sparing Jesus Vazquez from having to step in as a replacement for what is an important fixture for Valencia heading into the final stretch of the season.
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