Zaza and Gayá fit for Valencia's away day at Espanyol
The Italian has recovered from a knee problem that ruled him out of the World Cup defeat by Sweden and will be available to play in Cornellá.
Valencia’s in-form Italy striker Simone Zaza has been passed fit to play against Espanyol in Cornellà-El Prat on Sunday as Marcelino’s side look to extend their excellent start to the season.
Zaza was called into the latest Italy squad for the World Cup playoff against Sweden but picked up a knee injury before the opening leg and did not feature as the Azzurri slumped to a 1-0 aggregate defeat, condemning the four-times champions to miss the tournament for the first time in 60 years.
Zaza looking to keep up pressure on Messi
It was touch and go whether Zaza, who is second in the Pichichi standings behind Leo Messi after plundering nine goals for Valencia this season, would be included in Marcelino’s squad but a late fitness test was satisfactory and he will be available against Espanyol.
Also in the Valencia squad is José Luis Gayá, who had been doubtful after struggling with a back problem during the week. In-demand starlet Ferran Torres will play for the reserves in Lleida this weekend.
Valencia squad for Espanyol:
Neto, Jaume, Montoya, Garay, Murillo, Gabriel Paulista, Vezo, Gayà, Lato, Kondogbia, Parejo, Maksimovic, Soler, Pereira, Guedes, Rodrigo, Zaza, Santi Mina.
