Opponent watch: Valencia’s injury crisis deepens ahead of Barcelona visit

Opponent watch: Valencia’s injury crisis deepens ahead of Barcelona visit FC Barcelona will lock horns with Valencia this Sunday in a Matchday 4 fixture of the 2026/27 La Liga season. The Blaugrana will visit Mestalla having already won each of their three games this season and are sitting at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Los Che have collected just one point from their opening three matches and currently sit 17th in the table. Facing Barcelona is a daunting challenge for Valencia, and their task is made even harder by the absence of several key players. Six Valencia players ruled out Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo , Valencia manager Carlos Corberan will be without Guido Rodriguez, Jonathan Copete, Umar Sadiq, Justin de Haas, Diego Lopez and Sergi Canos for the visit of Barcelona. Guido Rodriguez (L) is unavailable. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) A further three players remain doubts: Dimitri Foulquier, Luis Rioja and Kayne van Oevelen. The situation is likely to force Corberán into several changes to his starting XI as he looks to find a way of containing the league leaders. Harvey Elliott available for debut There is at least one positive development for Valencia. Harvey Elliott, who joined from Liverpool on loan on deadline day, is fit and available for selection. The English midfielder is expected to play an important role in improving Valencia’s level this season and could make his debut against Barcelona. His arrival provides Corberan with a fresh attacking option at a time when injuries have significantly reduced his choices. What about Barcelona? Gavi will be back for Barcelona against Valencia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Barcelona head into the fixture hoping to continue their strong recent record at Mestalla . The Catalan side have lost just twice in their last 10 visits to Valencia and will be looking to extend that run with another victory. Hansi Flick’s team currently lead La Liga and will be determined to collect another three points on Sunday, while Valencia face the difficult task of finding their first league win of the season amid a growing injury crisis. The Blaugrana will be without Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, both of whom are long-term absentees through injury. Gavi has recovered from his knock and resumed group training. As such, he is expected to be available for the trip to Valencia.