Guido Rodríguez
VAL
Trains partially, remains out Friday
Rodriguez (quadriceps) trained partially with the team Thursday bur remains out for Friday's clash against Sevilla, according to coach Carlos Corberan. "He trained today, he wants to play, but he didn't receive the green light."
Analysis: Rodriguez had been expected to be out for around three weeks with the muscular problem suffered early this season, an absence that already cost him matches against Deportivo and Barcelona. His partial return to training now marks progress, though he remains out for the Sevilla game even if he wants to play, with coach Carlos Corberan continuing to weigh tactical adjustments like using Pepelu in a deeper role.
Out around three weeks
Rodriguez (quadriceps) will be out for around three weeks due to a muscular problem suffered early this season, according to Tribuna VCF.
Analysis: Rodriguez will miss Sunday's match at Deportivo, along with the following match against Barcelona at Mestalla, and his availability for the subsequent trip to Sevilla is also in doubt, with a potential return targeted for the matches against Alaves or Real Sociedad before the next international break. His absence forces coach Carlos Corberan to consider tactical adjustments, having tested a back four with Pepelu dropping into a pivot role in training rather than relying on Mouctar Diakhaby as a direct alternative, adding further difficulty to a start to the season that has already yielded just one point from Valencia's first two matches at Mestalla.
Signs permanently until 2028
Rodriguez has signed a two-year contract with Valencia until 2028 with an optional third year, making his move permanent after joining on loan in January, the club announced.
Analysis: Rodriguez scored four goals across 17 appearances under coach Carlos Corberan in the second half of the season, establishing himself as a fundamental piece in the team's midfield with his personality, balance and consistency contributing to improved results in both defensive and offensive phases. Rodriguez arrives with an extensive career spanning more than 400 appearances at the elite level for West Ham, Real Betis, Club America, Tijuana, River Plate and Defensa y Justicia, as well as winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.
Might continue with Valencia
Rodriguez will leave Valencia when his contract expires, though the club is understood to be close to finalizing a new deal with the Argentine midfielder, according to Superdeporte.
Analysis: Rodriguez arrived from West Ham in January and made 16 La Liga appearances and one Copa del Rey outing, scoring four goals and establishing himself as a key figure under coach Carlos Corberan with his physical presence and ball-winning ability in the engine room. The 30-year-old's extension is expected to be confirmed imminently, with the club treating his re-signing as a priority.
Scores late goal in finale
Rodriguez scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win against Barcelona.
Analysis: Rodriguez sealed up the win in Saturday's finale with an outside the box strike in the 97th minute to take the 3-1 lead. It was the only shot he took in the match and he also recorded two tackles, one interception and one clearance. It was a solid campaign with Valencia after he joined the club in January as he scored four goals and kept three clean sheets across 16 appearances (14 starts).
Strikes late in win
Rodriguez scored a goal while taking two shots (one on goal) and making four tackles (winning two) during Sunday's 4-3 win over Real Sociedad.
Analysis: Rodriguez found the back of the net in the 89th minute scoring Valencia's third goal while leading the team in tackles. The goal was the first since April 5th for Rodriguez as he's combined for two shots, eight tackles and six clearances over his last three starts.
Returns in Carabao Cup
Rodriguez got the start and played 85 minutes during Tuesday's match against Wolves in the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: Rodriguez started the Premier League opener, a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Sunderland and then was left unused in a 5-1 trouncing by Chelsea. The defensive midfielder returned to the starting XI in the Carabao Cup, but was subbed off with West Ham chasing the match yet again. Rodriguez figures to take on more minutes with the departure of Edson Alvarez, but he hasn't been very effective in holding midfield, and the entire West Ham team seems due for a shake up.
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