With a string of key players sidelined, Valencia CF is facing an uphill battle as they head to the iconic Montjuic to lock horns with FC Barcelona tonight at 21:00. The absence of reliable left-back José Gayà, solid centre-back Mouctar Diakhaby, and potent striker Roman Yaremchuk was already a cause for concern, but the latest injury news adds a further twist to the tale.

The right flank of Valencia finds itself significantly weakened as both potential starters, Foulquier and Fran Pérez, remain in Valencia, nursing their discomforts. The latter's absence marking his first miss of the season. Coach Rubén Baraja is compelled to shuffle his deck, considering adjustments that could see Thierry Correia step into the right-back position while Sergi Canós might be pushed forward to operate as a winger. Another strategic move under consideration might involve André Almeida bulking up the midfield.

Further injecting fresh blood, academy graduates Rubén Iranzo, Yarek, and David Otorbi, who were in action with the B team just yesterday, have already joined the first team in Barcelona, ready for the fray. Their unforeseen elevation underscores the depth of Valencia's injury crisis but also shines a spotlight on their youth system's ability to produce first-team ready talent on short notice.

The squad list announced includes Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jaume Doménech, Cristian Rivero, Thierry Correia, and Rubén Iranzo, among others, pointing to the blending of experience and youthful exuberance as Valencia's response to adversity. This cutthroat encounter in La Liga will not only test the resilience and adaptability of Baraja's side but also set the tone for their tactical blueprint in the face of injuries.

As the countdown to the kickoff continues, anticipation mounts for a showdown that's as much about overcoming personnel setbacks as it is about strategic mastery on the field. Can Valencia pull off a surprise against the Catalan giants, or will Barça capitalize on their opponent's misfortunes? Only time will tell in this unpredictable chapter of La Liga's storied tapestry.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk