José Copete
VAL
Remains close to return
Copete (knee) is close to a return, but is not an option for Saturday's match against Villarreal, according to manager Javier Aguirre. "No one is summoned. Copete is at 90% of the recovery, but we will have him soon."
Analysis: Copete is inching closer to a return for Valencia, but is still not an option, as the defender will need another match of recovery. He has been deemed at 90%, which means this is likely more of a cautious move, not wanting to risk any further injury. He has not been available since February due to his long recovery process, so the caution does make sense, likely to be slowly worked back into action before eyeing starting time.
Closing in on comeback
Copete (knee) is nearing a return to competitive action after recently resuming team training, but he is not yet ready to feature, according to coach Javier Aguirre.
Analysis: Copete has made encouraging progress in his rehabilitation after returning to training with his Valencia teammates, although he is still not ready to make his season debut. The center-back has been sidelined since suffering a meniscus injury during the 2025/26 campaign and was most recently ruled out. His involvement in training suggests he is approaching the final stages of his recovery, but the coaching staff appear determined to avoid rushing him back into competitive action. A return before the end of October remains possible, although no definitive timeline has been established, and his workload could initially be managed carefully following his lengthy absence.
Remains sidelined
Copete (knee) is out for Sunday's match against Racing Santander.
Analysis: Copete was back in training this week, but is still not an option for Valencia, as the defender remains sidelined due to a knee injury. The defender still has yet to play this season after suffering a meniscus injury in the 2025/26 season, although he does appear to be close. That said, a return in October still seems to be likely.
Trains fully with team
Copete (knee) has resumed full team training Thursday and is could be an option for Sunday's clash against Racing Santander after making further progress in his recovery from a meniscus injury, according to German Munoz of El Partit de la Una.
Analysis: Copete appears to be closing in on a return to competitive action after spending an extended period on the sidelines with a knee injury. The center-back had initially been limited to individual ball work before gradually rejoining the group, and his return to full training now puts him back in contention for selection. However, his lengthy absence could prompt Valencia to manage his workload carefully, with Cesar Tarrega and Justin De Haas remaining the primary options in central defense while Copete works his way back to match fitness.
Steps up recovery
Copete (knee) began Wednesday's training session with the group before moving to individual work as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury, according to Corner Che.
Analysis: Copete has taken another step forward after previously being limited to individual ball work during his recovery from a meniscus problem. His partial involvement with the group suggests his workload is gradually increasing, though he has yet to complete a full team session. Cesar Tarrega and Justin De Haas remain the primary center-back options while Copete works toward full availability.
Working on grass
Copete (knee) is working on the grass, touching the ball alone with a recovery coach at Paterna, according to COPE.
Analysis: Copete's meniscus injury worsened in recent months after last season's surgery, keeping him out for the start of the new La Liga campaign, and this progression to individual ball work marks a step forward in his extended recovery process. Cesar Tarrega and new signing Justin De Haas figure to continue forming the starting center back partnership while Copete works his way back.
Out for three to four more months
Copete's meniscus injury has worsened in recent months and will keep him out for the start of the new season, according to Jornada Perfecta.
Analysis: Copete underwent surgery on his left knee meniscus last season, but the recovery has not gone as planned and the issue has worsened rather than resolved in recent months. Despite that, head coach Carlos Corberan has no shortage of options at centerback, with Cesar Tarrega and new signing Justin De Haas expected to form the starting partnership, while Cenk Ozkacar and Mouctar Diakhaby provide further depth as Copete continues his extended recovery.
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