Juan Ignacio Martinez has confirmed that Obafemi Martins is still in contention to play for Levante this weekend in the derby against Valencia.
The Nigerian has held preliminary talks with MLS outfit Seattle Sounders over a proposed €3m transfer that he has looked to push through with some public sentiments.
However, the club have indicated that they will only negotiate at his buyout clause level and Martinez has confirmed that he is still in contention to feature in the Valencian derby at the weekend.
“Oba has trained normally, we have spoken and for now he is a Levante player and if he still is then I would like all my options available to me at Mestalla,” commented JIM, at a joint Press conference held with Valencia counterpart Ernesto Valverde.
“Everyone wants to go into these games with peace of mind, but I do not see it necessarily as an advantage.
“For us, Monday’s loss has been harder, we have had less time to prepare for this game because we played on the Monday. On Martins, if he is emotionally well, he will come. Oba gives us much, but there are others who can do well too.”
Valverde was asked his opinion on the situation.
“Levante have sufficient options in their squad if he does not play. Despite his importance, they will solve his absence, they will play the same way with or without Martins, which we must consider. Martins is a great player, he can harm us.”
