Barcelona were dealt with a blow on Monday night when one of their loanees appeared to have picked up a knee injury.
The player in question is Nico Gonzalez, who suffered an injury in the first half of Valencia’s game against Rayo Vallecano and was subsequently subbed off right after half-time.
However, in a recent report, journalist Nacho Sanchis claimed that Nico’s injury is not serious as was initially feared.
The youngster sustained a mild sprain in his ankle and did not suffer a knee injury, and it does not appear to be serious enough to rule him out on the sidelines for a long period.
Sanchis reports that Nico could be a doubt for Los Che’s upcoming game against Almeria. But he should be able to return to the pitch soon after and will be available for the remainder of the campaign.
This should serve as a major boost for Valencia, who are embroiled in a relegation dogfight this season. With 27 points on the board, Los Che are languishing in the 17th spot, level on points with relegation-threatened Espanyol and Almeria.
Nico, who joined Valencia on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona last summer, had only returned from an injury last month. The foot fracture had kept him out on the sidelines for a major chunk of the year so far.
Fortunately for the youngster, he does not appear to have aggravated his injury and should return to the pitch, sooner than later.
Nico’s return could please Barcelona as they continue to closely monitor his progress at Valencia.
Although the Blaugrana are likely to sanction yet another loan deal for Nico this coming summer, it is imperative that he finishes the ongoing campaign on a positive note, possibly helping Valencia avoid the wrath of relegation.