Dimitri Foulquier
VAL
Missing another match
Foulquier (knee) is out for Saturday's match against Villarreal, according to manager Javier Aguirre. "No one is summoned. Foulquier is at 90% of the recovery, but we will have them soon."
Analysis: Foulquier is still working on his return, and despite being close to making the squad, he will be left out for Saturday. The defender is treating his recovery very cautiously after suffering the injury in February, having spent a long time recovering and not wanting to risk a setback. With the defender so close, he will likely be back in action before the next international break, hoping to claim at least a rotational role.
Making progress but still unavailable
Foulquier (knee) is getting closer to returning to competitive action but remains short of full fitness, according to coach Javier Aguirre.
Analysis: Foulquier has yet to feature for Valencia this season after dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of competitive action since the 2025/26 campaign. The right-back was recently considered a late fitness call ahead of Sunday's matchup against Racing Santander but ultimately missed the contest after undergoing further medical assessments. Coach Aguirre's latest update suggests Foulquier is approaching a return, although he still needs additional time before being considered available for selection. The defender started 12 of his 15 league appearances last season despite recurring fitness problems and will look to regain a regular role in Valencia's defensive rotation once fully cleared.
Missing Sunday
Foulquier (knee) is out for Sunday's match against Racing Santander.
Analysis: Foulquier was a late call due to some medical testing, but appears to have failed and needs more time to recover, as the defender is not on the team sheet Sunday. The defender has yet to appear this season following an injury in the previous campaign, a rough start to the 2026/27 season. Once he returns, he will look to find starting time, starting in 12 of his 15 appearances, last season, between injuries.
Awaiting final medical evaluation
Foulquier (knee) will be a late call for Sunday's La Liga clash against Racing Santander despite resuming full team training this week, according to coach Javier Aguirre. "We have to do a last check with the doctors for three to four players."
Analysis: Foulquier has made significant progress in his recovery after overcoming another setback that interrupted his rehabilitation from knee surgery. The right-back rejoined team training Wednesday and has been participating fully with the squad, putting him closer to a return after a lengthy absence. However, coach Aguirre's latest comments suggest his availability remains uncertain pending a final medical assessment. Even if cleared, Foulquier could initially be limited to a substitute role due to his lack of match fitness, with Pablo Maffeo and Jesus Vazquez remaining alternatives on the right side of defense.
Trains fully, back in contention
Foulquier (knee) has resumed full team training this week and is an option for Sunday's clash against Racing Santander after recovering from his latest injury setback, according to German Munoz of El Partit de la Una.
Analysis: Foulquier appears to be closing in on a return to competitive action after overcoming another setback that interrupted his recovery from knee surgery. The right-back rejoined the group Wednesday and is now participating fully in training, putting him back in contention for selection after a lengthy absence. However, his lack of match fitness could limit his involvement initially, with Pablo Maffeo and Jesus Vazquez remaining alternatives on the right side of defense if Foulquier isn't ready to handle a starting workload.
Returns to team training
Foulquier (undisclosed) returned to group training Wednesday after recently suffering a setback in training, according to Corner Che.
Analysis: Foulquier's return to the group is encouraging after another injury interrupted his comeback from a lengthy absence following knee surgery. The right-back will need to show he can handle a full training workload without further issues before his availability becomes clearer. Pablo Maffeo and Jesus Vazquez remain alternatives on the right side of defense while Foulquier works his way back into contention.
Out for time being with new injury
Foulquier (undisclosed) suffered a new injury during training, according to coach Carlos Corberan.
Analysis: Foulquier had only recently returned to availability following a lengthy recovery from knee surgery, so this fresh setback is a discouraging development after just getting back into the fold at right back alongside Pablo Maffeo and Jesus Vazquez. His path back into contention will be worth monitoring as Valencia continues its season.
Available against Deportivo
Foulquier (knee) is available for Sunday's clash against Deportivo, according to coach Carlos Corberan.
Analysis: Foulquier had been gradually building back up after knee surgery, recently returning to portions of team training before working individually the rest of the session, so this clearance marks the culmination of a lengthy recovery process. His availability gives Valencia another option at right back alongside Pablo Maffeo and Jesus Vazquez.
Takes step toward return
Foulquier (knee) returned to portions of team training Monday as he continues his recovery following knee surgery, according to Corner Che.
Analysis: Foulquier took part in the opening portion of Monday's session with his teammates before continuing his recovery work individually. The full-back has gradually increased his workload after being sidelined for several months following knee surgery, but he has yet to receive medical clearance. Tuesday's clash against Real Betis is therefore likely to come too soon, with Pablo Maffeo and Jesus Vazquez remaining the main options at right-back. Foulquier's partial return to team training is nonetheless an encouraging step toward his return to action.
Not an option vs. Celta
Foulquier (knee) 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: The veteran full-back has been training individually in recent days, but since he hasn't yet resumed full training, he won't be an option for this clash. His next chance to feature will come against Real Betis on Tuesday, and this means Pablo Maffeo, who signed with the team earlier this week, or Jesus Vazquez could handle the right-back duties for the time being.
Continues individual recovery work
Foulquier (knee) trained alone Tuesday at Valencia's Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna, working through ball exercises as part of his individual program, according to Corner Che.
Analysis: Foulquier's progression is described as steady, though the club's technical staff will not rush his return until he is fully ready to rejoin the group. The French right back's timeline remains open ended as Valencia continue preparations for Saturday's season opener against Celta Vigo at Mestalla. Foulquier is expected to need more individual work before any move back into full team training. His availability for the opener looks unlikely given where his recovery currently stands.
Advances to partial training
Foulquier has progressed to partial team training following February knee surgery and is nearing a return to full squad activities, according to Cope.
Analysis: Foulquier underwent surgery on his left knee on February 12th at Valencia. He has now progressed from individual training to completing part of his sessions alongside his teammates, putting him in the final stretch of his recovery process. That shift from solo work to group training is a clear sign of progress, and the expectation now is a gradual reintegration into full team activity until he is training at the same pace as the rest of the squad, which would put him back in contention for a right-back spot he has held as a regular starter at Valencia.
Continues individual training
Foulquier (knee) is progressing in his recovery but remains unlikely to feature in early preseason matches while continuing to train separately, according to nostresport.
Analysis: Foulquier has been working his way back from a left knee injury that required surgery earlier this year, and while the club's update is encouraging in terms of his overall trajectory, it also makes clear that a return to matches is not imminent. He remains apart from group training at this stage of preseason, and Valencia are managing his reintegration carefully given the procedure he underwent.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare