UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
Favourite team

Costa absence forces Pellegrino to ponder

Saturday, September 29, 2012

With Valencia CF defender Adil Rami suspended for Tuesday's Group F fixture against LOSC Lille, news of an injury to centre-back Ricardo Costa adds to Mauricio Pellegrino's problems.

Ricardo Costa has a calf problem
Ricardo Costa has a calf problem ©Getty Images

Valencia CF coach Mauricio Pellegrino faces a defensive dilemma ahead of Tuesday's visit of LOSC Lille after Ricardo Costa became the latest player to be ruled out of the UEFA Champions League Group F game. 



The centre-back left the club's training ground on Thursday using crutches after feeling a sharp pain in his right calf, an injury which was later diagnosed as a muscle tear.

Costa started Valencia's 2-1 matchday one defeat by FC Bayern München alongside Adil Rami, who is suspended for the Lille game having been sent off in Germany. Meanwhile, midfielder 

David Albelda (hamstring) and Pablo Piatti (broken arm) continue to nurse their respective injuries.

A brighter note for the 2000 and 2001 finalists was the return to action of Fernando Gago for Saturday's 2-0 Liga victory at home to Real Zaragoza. The former Real Madrid CF and AS Roma midfielder had been absent since suffering a blow to the head during Argentina's 1-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw in Peru on 11 September.  

© 1998-2024 UEFA. All rights reserved. Last updated: Saturday, September 29, 2012

Selected for you

LOSC aim to halt Valencia's winning run
Live 25/09/2012

LOSC aim to halt Valencia's winning run

Valencia CF have won all seven previous home games against visitors from France and will be looking to make it eight when they take on LOSC Lille at Mestalla on matchday two.
Schweinsteiger gets Bayern up and running
Live 19/09/2012

Schweinsteiger gets Bayern up and running

FC Bayern München 2-1 Valencia CFAn added-time Nelson Valdez goal and Mario Mandžukić's subsequent missed penalty failed to affect the result as Bayern made a winning start.
Top teams prepare for matchday two
Live 28/09/2012

Top teams prepare for matchday two

Europe's top 32 sides return to the fray on UEFA Champions League matchday two with FC Nordsjælland, FC BATE Borisov and CFR 1907 Cluj all waiting to receive famous guests.
Albelda out for a month to add to Valencia woes
Live 13/09/2012

Albelda out for a month to add to Valencia woes

David Albelda's hamstring tear could not have come at a worse time for Valencia CF boss Mauricio Pellegrino who must hope Fernando Gago recovers fast from a blow to the head.
Valencia forced to plan without injured Piatti
Live 07/09/2012

Valencia forced to plan without injured Piatti

Valencia CF attacker Pablo Piatti looks set to miss most of the group stage after being ruled out of action for the next ten weeks having fractured his right arm during training.