Diakhaby undergoes surgery as Valencia scramble for defensive reinforcements
Valencia's defensive crisis deepens with Diakhaby set to miss the rest of the season, forcing Los Che into the January market for not one, but two centre-backs.
Valencia face a defensive nightmare after Mouctar Diakhaby’s serious muscle injury requires surgery, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Surgery Confirmed
Diakhaby went under the knife on Friday morning at Valencia’s IMSKE hospital following a severe hamstring tear in his right leg suffered during the match against Celta Vigo. The medical team opted for surgery immediately after tests revealed hemorrhaging in the area, indicating the seriousness of the muscle injury which affects the proximal hamstring tendon.
This ain’t the first time the Guinea international has been in the wars either. The defender had already missed two months from October with an injury to the same area, and considering his previous recovery from a dislocated right knee in March 2024, the medical staff and player jointly decided surgery was the only option.
Season Over?
The recovery timeline following the operation could exceed four months – similar to Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo who experienced the same issue. That’s essentially curtains for Diakhaby’s season, leaving Valencia proper short at the back.
The club is now considering requesting a federative withdrawal for Diakhaby, which would:
- Free up a squad registration spot
- Release 80% of the injured player’s salary until June 30th
- Create fair play financial wiggle room to find a replacement
Double Trouble in the Market
What started as a search for one centre-back has now turned into a hunt for two defenders. Valencia’s gaffer Corberán doesn’t fancy Eray Comert much, though the Swiss might end up staying if suitable reinforcements can’t be found before the window slams shut.
To make matters worse:
- César Tárrega has been playing through discomfort since before the Christmas break
- José Copete is one yellow card away from suspension – a booking against Elche would rule him out for the Getafe match
Talk about being up the apples and pears! Valencia’s defensive department is looking thinner than a supermodel on a juice cleanse, and the clock is ticking on finding quality replacements in the notoriously difficult January market.