Valencia and Spain delight as key defender returns from injury ahead of season run-in and Euro 2024 | OneFootball

Valencia’s hopes of securing a place in Europe for next season have taken a massive blow in recent weeks, following three consecutive defeats against Real Betis, Barcelona and Alaves. They need to make up five points on Betis (or seven on Real Sociedad) in the remaining four matches, although their chances of doing so have now increased.

That’s because Jose Gaya has finally returned to training, as per Marca. Gaya suffered a thigh injury against Villarreal back in March, which has meant that he has missed Valencia’s last six matches. However, he is on course to return this weekend when Los Che host Rayo Vallecano at the Mestalla.

Gaya won’t be forced back into action, so he may not start against Rayo, but he should return to the starting line-up before the end of the season. This is also good news for Spain, as he should be in their squad for Euro 2024, barring any further injury problems.

Gaya’s place in Spain’s squad is not assured as of right now, but the expectation is that he will be included if he can prove his fitness to Luis de la Fuente. He’s been a starter for the 62-year-old over the last 14 months, and he could be that too in Germany, although Alejandro Grimaldo will give the Valencia captain a run for his money.