Valencia's Team News: Four Absences For Leganés Clash – Predicted Lineup

James

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Post on May 15, 2025

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Valencia's Team News: Four Absences for Leganés Clash – Predicted Lineup

Valencia CF face a crucial match against CD Leganés this weekend, but manager Rubén Baraja will be sweating over four key absences that significantly impact his squad selection. The injuries and suspensions leave the Che with a weakened squad, forcing Baraja to potentially rely on youth and fringe players to secure a vital victory. This article delves into the confirmed absences, examines their impact, and presents a predicted starting XI for the upcoming encounter.

Confirmed Absences:

Several players will be unavailable for the Leganés clash, significantly altering Baraja's tactical options. These absences include:

• Samu Castillejo (Injury): The winger's pace and attacking flair will be missed, leaving a gap on the right flank. The extent of his injury hasn't been fully disclosed, but his absence is a significant blow.
• Nico González (Injury): The young midfielder's absence weakens Valencia's midfield options. His dynamism and energy in the middle of the park will be sorely missed against a physical Leganés side.
• Javi Guerra (Suspension): The defender's suspension adds to Valencia's defensive woes. His absence forces Baraja to reshuffle the backline, potentially leading to a less experienced pairing.
• Yunus Musah (Injury): Another key midfield player ruled out through injury. Musah’s absence depletes Valencia's creative options in the middle of the pitch.

Impact on Valencia's Tactics:

The absences significantly impact Baraja's tactical flexibility. The loss of key midfielders like González and Musah forces him to consider a more defensive approach, potentially relying on a deeper midfield to protect the defense. The lack of attacking width due to Castillejo’s injury also necessitates a reassessment of Valencia's attacking strategy. Expect to see more reliance on crosses and set-pieces to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Predicted Lineup:

Given the absences, a pragmatic approach seems likely. Here's a predicted starting XI for Valencia against Leganés:

Formation: 4-4-2

• Goalkeeper: Mamardashvili
• Defenders: Thierry Correia, Diakhaby, Cömert, Gaya
• Midfielders: Almeida, Foulquier, André Almeida, Ilaix Moriba
• Forwards: Lino, Hugo Duro

Bench: Expect a bench largely filled with young players and those who have seen limited game time this season. This highlights the depth issues currently facing Valencia CF.

The Importance of the Match:

This game against Leganés is crucial for Valencia's season. Three points are vital to maintain their push for a higher league position. The absences, however, place even greater pressure on the remaining players to step up and deliver a strong performance. Baraja will need to inspire his team to overcome these challenges and secure a much-needed victory.

Looking Ahead:

Valencia’s injury crisis is a significant concern. The club needs to address these issues quickly, both in terms of immediate solutions for the Leganés match and long-term planning to avoid further disruptions. The next few weeks will be critical in determining Valencia's ability to compete effectively for the rest of the season. Further updates on player fitness will be eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike. Keep checking back for the latest news and match reports.