Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Valencia face injury-hit Barcelona after difficult La Liga start
Valencia are preparing to play Barcelona on Sunday.
Valencia have earned only one point in their first three league games.
They have also lost their last two matches.
Several important Valencia players are injured or unavailable.
Three more players might also miss the game.
New signing Harvey Elliott is available after joining on loan from Liverpool.
Barcelona have won all three of their games and scored 12 goals.
Valencia could fall into the relegation zone if they lose again.
Valencia have one point from their opening three La Liga matches.
A further defeat against Barcelona could send Valencia into the relegation zone.
Six Valencia players are certain to miss Sunday’s match, with three others doubtful.
Harvey Elliott can make his Valencia debut after joining on loan from Liverpool.
Barcelona have opened the season with three straight wins and 12 goals.
- Who
- Valencia, coached by Carlos Corberan, will play FC Barcelona.
- What
- Valencia will host Barcelona in a La Liga match while dealing with numerous injuries and poor early-season form.
- When
- Sunday; the exact date is not specified.
- Where
- Mestalla Stadium, Valencia.
- Why
- Valencia need points to avoid further pressure and a possible move into the relegation zone, while Barcelona seek to continue their winning start.
- Valencia record
- One point from three matches: a draw against Celta Vigo followed by losses to Real Betis and Deportivo La Coruna.
- Barcelona record
- Three consecutive wins and 12 goals scored.
- Certain Valencia absentees
- Guido Rodriguez, Jose Copete, Sadiq Umar, Justin de Haas, Diego Lopez and Sergi Canos.
- Doubtful players
- Dimitri Foulquier, Luis Rioja and Kayne van Oevelen.
- New signing available
- Harvey Elliott can start after joining Valencia on loan from Liverpool.
- Loan details
- Elliott joined for the 2026-27 season; his Liverpool contract runs until June 2028, and the loan has no purchase option.
- Related transfer
- Valencia loaned Andre Almeida to Racing Santander after Elliott’s arrival.