Objective: clear the injury room

Rayo Vallecano hope to clear the injury list during the international break, with Óscar Valentín and Kumbulla targeting returns before the next league match.

Former Rayo Vallecano manager Beñat San José has 13 days between matches against Real Sociedad and Valencia to work on recovering injured players. Midfielder Óscar Valentín suffered a right knee contusion against Celta but scans ruled out serious damage; the focus is reducing swelling to resume training.

Defender Kumbulla made his debut in the Copa del Rey but has since suffered a setback, though San José is optimistic both will return after the international window: "I'm optimistic and believe they'll be able to play after the FIFA date."

Winger Álvaro García faces a longer recovery from a hamstring injury sustained against Celta, with an estimated four-week absence. Defender Vertrocht also has physical issues that limited him to ten minutes at Anoeta. Goalkeeper Batalla, who fractured his tibia against Alavés in late August, is progressing well through rehabilitation and was initially expected back in early 2027.

Centre-back Luiz Felipe has been ruled out for the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during training in mid-October and undergoing surgery; he has yet to make his debut this season.