{"id":1101,"date":"2026-09-04T10:51:04","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T10:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=1101"},"modified":"2026-09-04T10:51:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T10:51:04","slug":"opponent-watch-valencias-injury-crisis-deepens-ahead-of-barcelona-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=1101","title":{"rendered":"Opponent watch: Valencia\u2019s injury crisis deepens ahead of Barcelona visit"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n

FC Barcelona<\/a> will lock horns with Valencia this Sunday in a Matchday 4 fixture of the 2026\/27 La Liga<\/a> season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The Blaugrana<\/em> will visit Mestalla having already won each of their three games this season and are sitting at the top of the table.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n

Meanwhile, Los Che<\/em> have collected just one point from their opening three matches and currently sit 17th in the table. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Facing Barcelona<\/a> is a daunting challenge for Valencia, and their task is made even harder by the absence of several key players.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Six Valencia players ruled out<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo<\/a><\/em>, Valencia manager Carlos Corberan will be without Guido Rodriguez, Jonathan Copete, Umar Sadiq, Justin de Haas, Diego Lopez and Sergi Canos for the visit of Barcelona<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Article<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n

Guido Rodriguez (L) is unavailable. (Photo by Clive Brunskill\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

A further three players remain doubts: Dimitri Foulquier, Luis Rioja and Kayne van Oevelen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The situation is likely to force Corber\u00e1n into several changes to his starting XI as he looks to find a way of containing the league leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Harvey Elliott available for debut<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n

There is at least one positive development for Valencia. Harvey Elliott<\/a>, who joined from Liverpool on loan on deadline day, is fit and available for selection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The English midfielder is expected to play an important role in improving Valencia\u2019s level this season and could make his debut against Barcelona<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

His arrival provides Corberan with a fresh attacking option at a time when injuries have significantly reduced his choices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What about Barcelona?<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\"Article<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n

Gavi will be back for Barcelona<\/a> against Valencia. (Photo by Alex Caparros\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Barcelona head into the fixture hoping to continue their strong recent record at Mestalla<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The Catalan side have lost just twice in their last 10 visits to Valencia and will be looking to extend that run with another victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Hansi Flick\u2019s team currently lead La Liga<\/a> and will be determined to collect another three points on Sunday, while Valencia face the difficult task of finding their first league win of the season amid a growing injury crisis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The Blaugrana<\/em> will be without Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, both of whom are long-term absentees through injury.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Gavi has recovered from his knock and resumed group training. As such, he is expected to be available for the trip to Valencia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"View publisher imprint<\/a>