Marcelino Names Team To Face Leganés; Four Players Out Through Injury

James

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Post on May 15, 2025

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Marcelino Names Team to Face Leganés; Four Key Players Ruled Out Through Injury

Valencia CF manager Marcelino García Toral has announced his squad for Sunday's crucial La Liga clash against Leganés, with four first-team players sidelined through injury. The news will come as a blow to Valencia fans hoping for a strong performance following a mixed start to the season. The injuries leave Marcelino with some tough selection decisions as he aims to secure three vital points against a battling Leganés side.

The match, taking place at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, is shaping up to be a pivotal encounter for both teams. Leganés, known for their robust defensive style, will present a stern test for Valencia's attacking capabilities. Marcelino will need to carefully strategize to overcome the absence of key players and ensure his team secures a victory.

Four Crucial Absences

The injury list for Valencia is a significant concern heading into the game. Marcelino confirmed that the following players will miss the match:

• José Gayà: The influential left-back is ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained in training. His absence leaves a significant gap in Valencia's defensive structure.
• Geoffrey Kondogbia: The powerful midfielder is a key component of Valencia's midfield engine. His absence due to a muscle problem weakens the team's ability to control the game.
• Kevin Gameiro: The experienced striker is sidelined with a knee injury, diminishing Valencia's attacking options. His absence will likely see other forwards stepping up to fill the void.
• Ezequiel Garay: The veteran defender's absence due to a calf injury further weakens Valencia's already depleted defensive line. His experience and leadership will be sorely missed.

Marcelino's Selection Headache

With four key players unavailable, Marcelino faces a challenging task in selecting his starting XI. He will need to rely on the depth of his squad and the versatility of his remaining players. Expect to see some players deployed in unfamiliar positions, and a renewed focus on tactical flexibility. The pressure is on the remaining players to step up and deliver a strong performance in the absence of their injured teammates.

Potential Line-up and Tactical Adjustments

While the exact starting XI remains to be seen, we can anticipate some tactical shifts from Marcelino. The absence of Gayà could see Toni Lato or Cristiano Piccini filling in at left-back. In midfield, Daniel Parejo and Carlos Soler are likely to shoulder increased responsibility. Upfront, Rodrigo Moreno and Maxi Gómez are expected to lead the line, with Gonçalo Guedes potentially playing a crucial role from the wing.

This game against Leganés is crucial for Valencia's ambitions this season. The team will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability to overcome the injury crisis and secure a positive result.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will be critical for Valencia. The club's medical staff will be working hard to get the injured players back to full fitness as quickly as possible. The success of their recovery will be vital for Valencia's hopes of achieving their objectives this season. For now, all eyes are on Sunday's match against Leganés – a game that will test the depth and resilience of Marcelino's squad.

Keywords: Valencia CF, Marcelino, Leganés, La Liga, injury, team news, squad, José Gayà, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Kevin Gameiro, Ezequiel Garay, football, soccer, Spanish football, starting XI, tactical adjustments, football injuries, Valencia CF news.