Valencia’s defensive selection crisis worsens with the news that full-back Joao Pereira has been ruled out of the weekend trip to Athletic Bilbao.
Ernesto Valverde is already anticipating making the trip to San Mames without centre-backs Ricardo Costa and Adil Rami, as they just reach the end of their recovery from respective muscle strains.
Along with this duo, Portuguese international Pereira missed the midweek Champions League elimination to Paris Saint-Germain with a muscle complaint.
Tests have now confirmed that he has also suffered a thigh strain and that he will be unavailable for this Sunday lunchtime’s trip to the Basque Country.
The extent of Pereira’s injury has not been specified, with Valencia’s medical staff only confirming that his condition will be assessed over the coming days.
