Captain Ché makes his mark as Baraja’s Valencia debut unfolds in Valencia’s summer of transition.
José Luis Gayà did not begin Baraja’s era on the brightest note. The Valencia captain was thrust into a challenging moment after being sidelined by an injury during the La Liga clash against Getafe on February 20, 2023, a match that was also Baraja’s first at Mestalla as coach. The game, staged at the Colosseum Alfonso Pérez, became a turning point in Valencia’s season and a test of leadership for the squad.
Everything you need to know about Getafe vs. Valencia in La Liga 2022-2023
José Luis Gayà, Valencia CF injury update: potential diagnosis, expected absence, and affected fixtures
A little over ten minutes into the second half, Valencia CF faced disturbing news. Gayà, only 27, dropped to the turf with an obvious struggle to bear weight on his right ankle after a collision left-back Melbourne-style, as a Getafe challenge folded on top of him. The pain was clear, and the defender could not continue. Though he attempted to push through, Gayà could not complete the match, prompting Baraja to call Toni Lato off the bench and handing the captain’s armband to Gabriel Paulista in the interim.
At the time of writing, the precise nature of the injury had yet to be confirmed, with medical tests scheduled to reveal the extent on the following Tuesday. The setback threatens not only Valencia’s on-pitch options but also the emotional balance of a squad trying to establish cohesion mid-season. Losing a captain during a critical stretch can weigh heavily on a group still building its identity under a new coach.
Valencia’s immediate schedule includes tough fixtures: Real Sociedad at home, Barcelona away, Osasuna at home, Atlético Madrid away, Rayo Vallecano at home, and Almería away. Each match carries significance for a side aiming to stabilize its league position and rebuild confidence after a period of upheaval.
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Note: This overview reflects updates on Valencia CF’s campaign through the 2022-2023 La Liga season, with emphasis on leadership, player fitness, and the shifting dynamics under Baraja.