Dimitrievski Blow: Valencia's Cup Keeper Crocked at Worst Possible Time
Valencia's cup specialist Stole Dimitrievski faces three weeks out with an adductor injury, missing the crucial Copa del Rey clash with Sporting Gijón.
Valencia’s Copa Specialist Sidelined When He Needs Minutes Most
In a right kick in the teeth for both player and club, Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Sporting Gijón with a nasty adductor injury that could keep him on the sidelines for up to three weeks.
The Macedonian stopper, who’s been limited to cup appearances this season, was conspicuously absent from Monday’s training session, initially reported to be working in the gym. By late afternoon, Radio MARCA Valencia broke the news that he’d suffered a muscle problem ruling him out of the El Molinón fixture.
Terrible Timing
The timing couldn’t be worse for the 31-year-old keeper. With Julen Agirrezabala firmly established as gaffer Carlos Corberán’s first choice between the sticks in La Liga, the Copa del Rey represented Dimitrievski’s only chance for competitive action.
This season, the Macedonian has featured just twice – both in the cup – against Maracena and Cartagena. It was in the latter fixture where he proved his worth, making a crucial penalty save in extra time after Valencia had been reduced to ten men following Santamaría’s dismissal.
Selection Headache
Corberán now faces a proper dilemma ahead of Tuesday’s 9pm kickoff:
- Stick with Agirrezabala for continuity, despite him being the regular league keeper
- Give third-choice Cristian Rivero a rare opportunity – a keeper who sometimes doesn’t even make the bench (as happened against Atlético this weekend)
What makes this particularly interesting is that Rivero spent last season on loan in Spain’s second division – the very level Sporting Gijón currently compete at. He made six appearances for Albacete in Segunda, including the final three matches of their campaign.
The injury seems to have caught everyone off guard, with Corberán stating in his pre-match press conference earlier Monday that “apart from Comert, everyone is available at this time” – suggesting Dimitrievski’s issue either developed suddenly during Monday’s session or the keeper had been quietly nursing a niggle without informing the medical staff.