Luis Rioja
VAL
Remains out, but back on grass
Rioja (undisclosed) remains out and is still not training with the team, though he is now working on the grass, according to Radio Esport Valencia.
Analysis: Rioja had already missed the match against Barcelona due to his ongoing injury, an issue that emerged not long after he had returned to training for a separate quadriceps problem. His continued absence keeps Arnaut Danjuma in a larger role up front, though this progression to outdoor work marks a step forward in his recovery process.
Almost certain to miss Barcelona clash
Rioja (undisclosed) remains out of team training with an injury and appears set to miss Sunday's match against Barcelona, according to El Desmarque.
Analysis: Rioja had recently returned to team training for a separate quadriceps issue before this new injury setback emerged, confirming the worst fears about his availability. Valencia's medical bay remains crowded ahead of the Barcelona match, and Rioja's absence will allow Arnaut Danjuma to get a larger role in attack.
Returns to partial training
Rioja (quadriceps) returned to portions of team training Monday as he continues his recovery from a right quadriceps injury, according to Corner Che.
Analysis: Rioja took part in the opening portion of Monday's session with his teammates before continuing his individual recovery work. The winger has made progress since suffering the quadriceps injury in early August, but he has yet to receive medical clearance and is unlikely to be available for Tuesday's clash against Real Betis. His partial return to team training is an encouraging step, with a return to action potentially approaching if he continues to progress without setbacks.
Won't play Saturday
Rioja (quadriceps) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Celta Vigo, according to manager Carlos Corberan. "Rioja and Foulquier are the only two absences who won't be able to help us in the upcoming game."
Analysis: Rioja has been recovering from a right quadriceps injury sustained in a preseason friendly against Stoke City in early August, but this game will come too soon for the versatile winger. His next chance to play will come against Real Betis on Tuesday.
Pushing to make squad vs Celta
Rioja (quadriceps) is working individually with a rehabilitation specialist and has begun ball striking exercises as he pushes to be included in the squad for Saturday's match against Celta Vigo, according to Deportes COPE Valencia.
Analysis: Rioja has been recovering from a right quadriceps injury sustained in a preseason friendly against Stoke City in early August, with Valencia never specifying an exact recovery timeline beyond stating he would continue treatment until clinical improvement was reached. He remained unavailable as of Monday, but this week's training program is being built around at least getting him into the matchday squad for the weekend. Rioja is expected to fall short of the five to six week absence some outlets had floated, a timeline that always looked unrealistic given his recent progress. His accelerated recovery puts him in contention to feature in some capacity against Celta Vigo.
Sidelined for four to six weeks
The player will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a quadriceps muscle injury, German Munoz reports.
Analysis: Rioja is facing four to six weeks out with a quadriceps injury just as Valencia head into the new 2026-27 season, a tough setback after he established himself as a mainstay on the right wing last year with three goals, six assists, and 31 starts across 37 appearances. His absence to open the campaign exposes a lack of depth at winger, with Ryunosuke Sato and Arnaut Danjuma the only real alternatives currently poised to start. That thin cover adds pressure on Valencia to bring in further reinforcements at the position unless they are comfortable relying on those two for an extended stretch.
Could miss start of season
Rioja (undisclosed) is injured and could miss the start of the 2026/27 La Liga season, according to Nacho Sanchis of A Punt Esports.
Analysis: Rioja finished last season with three goals and six assists across 37 appearances, including 31 starts, establishing himself as a key contributor on the right flank of Valenica. His potential absence to open the new 2026/27 campaign creates urgency for the club to reinforce that position, and Arnaut Danjuma could see more playing time up front if Rioja is indeed unavailable for the opener against Celta Vigo on Aug. 22.
Scores in finale
Rioja scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-1 win versus Barcelona.
Analysis: Rioja found the back of the net in Saturday's season finale, an unassisted strike in the 71st minute which gave his side a 2-1 lead. It was one of three shots he took in the match and he also created two chances for the third time in his last four appearances. It was a decent campaign for Rioja as he scored three goals and provided six assists across 37 appearances (31 starts).
Can't score but looks active
Rioja generated two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Rioja was one of several Valencia players who looked quite active going forward despite being unable to find the back of the net. The winger has been a regular starter pretty much all season long for Valencia, and that shouldn't change ahead of the final two games of the 2025/26 league campaign.
Tallies assist
Rioja assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Athletic.
Analysis: Rioja did his part in the offense, even if only one of his crosses was deemed to be accurate. He got an assist on the winning goal to help Valencia take a step towards staying in La Liga for next season. The midfielder will likely need to be better to have an assist against a Rayo Vallecano team which has allowed 41 goals through 34 La Liga matches.
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