Valencia Team News - Soccer

Luis Rioja - 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 agai...

Impact 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.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Dimitri Foulquier - 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.

Impact 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.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Alberto Mari - Continues recovery in Paterna Mari (hamstring) continues his recovery on the pitch at Paterna, working through boot exercises with direction changes and ball contact, according to Deportes COPE Valencia.

Impact Mari is in the final stage of recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered on loan at Mirandes last season, which required surgery in March. He was not included in Valencia's presentation to the group, an indication that he is set to depart the club, and has options for a loan move in Segunda Division. Mari is expected to finalize his next step once his recovery timeline lines up with the closing weeks of the transfer window.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Umar Sadiq - Set for season opener Sadiq trained normally with his teammates after recovering from a physical issue, and is expected to be available for Saturday's season opener against Celta Vigo, according to Trib...

Impact Sadiq's return gives coach Carlos Corberan back a key attacking option as Valencia began their preparations Monday at their Paterna training base. The forward had been sidelined by a physical problem but has since worked his way back into full training with the group. Sadiq is expected to slot back into Valencia's attacking plans as the club looks to start the campaign at full strength up front.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Umar Sadiq - Progressing well for opener Sadiq (hamstring) worked individually on the pitch during training and is expected to be available for Valencia's season opener against Celta Vigo, according to Solo Valencia CF.

Impact Sadiq had been dealing with a minor hamstring tear that was not considered a threat to his availability for the start of the season, keeping him behind in Paterna for his recovery rather than traveling with the squad to England, and his individual work marks continued progress ahead of that timeline. If available, he's expected to pair up front with Ryunosuke Sato.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Justin De Haas - Back in starting XI Saturday De Haas (groin) was included in Valencia's starting lineup for Saturday's friendly matchup versus Newcastle.

Impact De Haas will be in contention for minutes in a potential three-man back line during his first season with Valencia after a transfer from Portuguese side Famalicao. If he ends up getting a starting role, he could hold plenty of upside, considering he scored five goals despite playing at center-back during the previous league season in Portugal, where he also averaged 5.1 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game. Other players such as Mouctar Diakhaby and Copete (knee) might see their playing time reduced now that de Haas is available.

AUGUST 8 • ROTOWIRE

Valencia vs Newcastle United Prediction and Betting Tips | August 8th 2026 Premier League side Newcastle United travel to Spain this weekend to take on La Liga stalwarts Valencia in a pre-season friendly.

AUGUST 6 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Luis Rioja - 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

Dimitri Foulquier - 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

Luis Rioja - 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

Justin De Haas - Forced off during friendly De Haas was forced off the field in Saturday's friendly against Stoke due to an apparent adductor injury and is set for testing.

Impact De Haas has returned to Valencia from England after a friendly with Valencia, as the defender will now be set for testing after suffering an injury against Stoke. After just signing with the club a month ago, this would be a rough loss just ahead of the season, as he looks to be a starter in the defense when fit. The hope will be testing shows only a minimal issue, although a groin injury is something that could keep him out for a few weeks.

AUGUST 2 • ROTOWIRE

Umar Sadiq - Minor hamstring tear confirmed Sadiq is dealing with a minor hamstring tear that will keep him out for around 10 days, according to German Munoz.

Impact Sadiq's issue is not considered a threat to his availability for the start of LaLiga. He will not travel with the squad to England, instead staying behind to continue his recovery at Paterna. Sadiq is expected to be back in full training once the recovery period concludes.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Alberto Mari - Nearing full fitness, eyes exit Mari (hamstring) is in the final stage of recovery after undergoing surgery in March and is expected to explore a move away from Valencia this summer, according to Tribuna Deportiv...

Impact Mari's latest setback, a hamstring injury sustained during his loan at Mirandes that needed surgery in March, is nearly behind him as he enters the final stretch of his recovery. What's clear beyond his fitness, though, is his intention is that he wants out of Valencia this summer rather than fighting for a squad spot under Carlos Corberan and his recovery timeline lining up with the transfer window suggests a move could be finalized relatively soon.

JULY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Dimitri Foulquier - 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.

Impact 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.

JULY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Jose Gaya - Training fully in preseason camp Gaya is training normally with the squad at Valencia's preseason camp in Girona, the club posted.

Impact Gaya was substituted in the 63rd minute of Valencia's draw with Rayo Vallecano in May after suffering a right quadriceps injury that ruled him out for the season's final two matches against Real Sociedad and Barcelona. The captain has since recovered and is now training fully with the squad at Valencia's preseason camp in Girona, with no signs of any lingering limitation. He is working in the same group as new arrivals Justin De Haas, Aliou Dieng, and Ryunosuke Sato as Carlos Corberan puts his squad through its opening sessions ahead of the new LALIGA campaign.

JULY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Mouctar Diakhaby - Back with squad in preseason Diakhaby has resumed full training with the squad during Valencia's preseason stage in Girona, having recovered from the hamstring injury that ended his last campaign early, per El...

Impact Diakhaby is training normally with his teammates after recovering from the right hamstring injury that ruled him out for the remainder of last season. The centerback underwent surgery in January for the issue, which followed a prior hamstring setback and an earlier serious knee injury that had already cost him significant time during his Valencia career. Despite being back in full training, Diakhaby is not expected to be part of the starting lineup to open the season, with Justin De Haas and Cesar Tarrega projected as Carlos Corberan's starting centerback pairing.

JULY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Aliou Dieng - Joins Valencia Dieng signed a two-year contract with Valencia through June 2028 after joining from Al Ahly, the club announced.

Impact Dieng arrives in Spain following a highly successful spell with Al Ahly, where he made 250 appearances and established himself as one of Africa's top defensive midfielders. The Mali international won multiple domestic and continental trophies during his time in Egypt, including four CAF Champions League titles. At 28 years old, he brings leadership, experience and physicality to Valencia's midfield, having also served as a key figure and captain for the Mali national team. Known for his ball-winning ability, defensive work rate and distribution from deep positions, Dieng should provide stability and presence in the center of the pitch.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Ryunosuke Sato - Signs five year deal with Valencia Sato has signed a five year contract with Valencia CF through 2031 after the club reached an agreement with FC Tokyo for his transfer, becoming the first Japanese player to represe...

Impact Sato became the youngest player in FC Tokyo's history to debut for the first team at age 16 in 2023, and registered six goals and one assist in 19 official appearances back at the club last season following a loan spell at Fagiano Okayama, where he won the J1 League Young Player of the Year award. He has been a key figure for Japan's youth national teams, helping the country win the AFC U23 Asian Cup as the tournament's MVP and top scorer with four goals, and became the youngest player in Japan's history to appear in a World Cup qualifying match following his senior debut last year. Comfortable across multiple midfield positions with his pace, technical quality and ability in tight spaces, Sato joins Valencia as a versatile long term addition to the midfield.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Guido Rodriguez - 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.

Impact 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.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Guido Rodriguez - 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...

Impact 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.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Justin De Haas - Joins Valencia through 2030 de Haas signed with Valencia from Famalicao on a four-year contract through 2030 following the expiration of his contract with the Portuguese club, the club announced.

Impact de Haas established himself as one of the standout center-backs in the Portuguese top flight during his time at Famalicao after joining in 2023, and delivered an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which he started all 33 of his league appearances, playing every minute and contributing six goals as the club finished fifth in the table. The 26-year-old Dutchman stands at 1.94 meters and is known for his ability to build play from the left side of the defensive line, his composure on the ball and his physical presence, making him a modern center-back capable of providing both defensive solidity and attacking threat from set pieces. De Haas came through the academies of AZ Alkmaar, PSV Eindhoven and Dinamo Zagreb before launching his professional career in Croatia with NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, and has represented the Netherlands at youth level from the under-16 through to the under-18 side.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Spain left back Álex Grimaldo returns home to join Atlético Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen

Spain left back Alejandro “Álex” Grimaldo is finally returning home after joining Atlético Madrid from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen

JUNE 30 • Associated Press

La Liga striker vows to appeal against rape conviction after being sentenced to over eight years in prison

Rafa Mir has spoken out after being handed an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence following a conviction for sexual assault and injury. Th...

JUNE 15 • goal

La Liga striker vows to appeal against rape conviction after being sentenced to over eight years in prison

Spanish soccer player Rafa Mir sentenced to 8-and-a-half years for sexually assaulting two women

A court in Spain has sentenced Spanish forward Rafa Mir to eight and-a-half years of prison for having sexually assaulted two women along with another soccer player

JUNE 15 • Associated Press

Diego Lopez - Undergoes surgery Lopez (ACL) underwent surgery and is now working his way back to fitness.

Impact Lopez was set for evaluation due to an ACL issue and was no pictured post surgery. The midfielder is set to miss an extended period of time, and will be out for a portion of the 2026/27 season if the injury is as serious as is feared. Lopez scored four goals and added one assists in 34 appearances (20 starts) last season.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

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Spain left back Álex Grimaldo returns home to join Atlético Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen

La Liga striker vows to appeal against rape conviction after being sentenced to over eight years in prison

Spanish soccer player Rafa Mir sentenced to 8-and-a-half years for sexually assaulting two women