Javier Aguirre has named his first squad as Valencia CF head coach for the La Liga match against Racing Santander. The game, corresponding to matchday 8 of the 2026-27 season, will be played on Sunday, 11 October at 21:00 local time at El Sardinero, with the club aiming for points to climb from 19th place where they currently sit on just five points.
The 24-man squad list is missing Luis Rioja due to injury. Long-term absentees Sergi Canós and Diego López are also unavailable, with the latter having undergone a third surgery. Arnaut Danjuma and Dimitri Foulquier are omitted due to physical issues. To cover these absences, Aguirre has called up two reserve team players: midfielder Aarón Mayol and defender Aimar Blázquez.
The Mexican coach offered a philosophical take on his selection, stating: "Uno lo ha intentado todo, pero no me lo llevo; el otro sí". The called-up squad includes goalkeepers Stole Dimitrievski and Cristian Rivero, defenders like Mouctar Diakhaby and José Luis Gayà, midfielders such as Javi Guerra and Pepelu, and forwards Hugo Duro and Harvey Elliott.
This fixture follows a 2-2 draw in the last meeting between the sides, where D. Raba and D. Otorbi scored for Valencia. The team needs to improve its form ahead of a demanding schedule that continues with a home match against Athletic Club on 17 October.
More detail at valenciacf.com
