Sadiq is back

Sadiq Umar trained fully with the group for the first time since his right hamstring injury on 30 September; expected to return for Sunday's match against Elche.

Sadiq Umar completed a full training session with Valencia on Monday, marking his first time back with the squad since suffering a right hamstring injury on 30 September during the match against Deportivo at Riazor. Manager Javier Aguirre will soon have another attacking option available as the team searches for goals.

The Nigerian striker trained normally in the penultimate session before Wednesday's Copa del Rey match against Tavernes at Mestalla, where Valencia will play as the away side. Although Sadiq's return is a significant step forward, the club believes he will arrive too tight for the Copa del Rey fixture but could be available for Sunday's La Liga match against Elche at Martínez Valero if his recovery continues as expected.

Captain José Luis Gayà also trained normally after taking a blow from Pape Gueye during Saturday's match against Villarreal, though he continues to experience pain and discomfort in his nose. The negative news concerns David Otorbi, the winger who will undergo medical tests to determine the extent of the muscle injury he suffered against Villarreal. Otorbi was making his first start under Aguirre but had to leave the pitch after just 15 minutes.