Wed Dec 04 20:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Valencia Coach Leaves Star Players Behind for Copa del Rey Match
**Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain** – Valencia CF manager Rubén Baraja has opted to rest several key players for their Copa del Rey match against Segunda RFEF side Ejea de los Caballeros. The decision prioritizes squad freshness for upcoming La Liga fixtures.
Star players such as José Gayà, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Hugo Duro, André Almeida (Enzo), and Samu Tárrega have been left out of the travelling squad. This strategic rest is compounded by a number of injuries. Right-back Thierry Foulquier is the latest addition to the injury list, and his participation in the weekend’s match against Rayo Vallecano is uncertain. Mouctar Diakhaby, Samuel Lino, and Caufriez are also sidelined through injury.
To compensate for the absences, Baraja has called up four players from the Valencia Mestalla reserve team: Warren Madrigal, Santana, Tejón, and Córdoba.
The first team travelled to Ejea de los Caballeros by plane this morning and will return after the 9 PM kickoff. A notable inclusion in the squad is the return of striker Rafa Mir after a 96-day absence due to injury and an ongoing legal case involving an accusation of sexual assault. The case continues to progress through the courts.
First Piper 