David Otorbi injury: Valencia hopeful teenage forward has avoided serious hamstring damage

Valencia manager Javier Aguirre says he hopes David Otorbi’s injury is not serious after the Spanish-Nigerian forward was forced off during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Villarreal at the Mestalla Stadium.

The 19-year-old was withdrawn in the first half and replaced by Spanish winger Dani Raba after appearing to suffer a hamstring problem.

Otorbi had made an encouraging start to the campaign, scoring one goal in nine league appearances, and his latest setback will be a disappointment as he looks to establish himself at Valencia.

Aguirre said the injury affected Valencia’s performance and played a part in the result against Villarreal, claiming Otorbi had been in good form both in matches and during training.

“Otorbi’s injury affects us because he was playing and training very well,” the Mexican manager said on Valencia’s official website.

The club’s medical staff have offered some reassurance, but Aguirre said the full extent of the injury will not be known until the player has undergone imaging.

“We hope it’s nothing serious. The doctor is reassuring, but we won’t be able to assess the extent of the injury until we see the images,” he said.

Otorbi is expected to have scans and further medical examinations in the coming days. Those tests will determine how serious the suspected hamstring injury is and how long he may be unavailable.

The teenager’s injury adds to Valencia’s growing fitness concerns this campaign. Aguirre will now wait for the medical results in the hope that Otorbi does not face a long-term absence or an extended spell on the sidelines.