Game takes place Saturday, 4pm.

Juan Antonio Pizzi spoke on Friday afternoon in the press conference prior to Valencia CF’s encounter with CA Osasuna, which takes place on Saturday afternoon at 4pm in Pamplona. The Valencia CF manager explained the 19-man squad list provided earlier in the day, which features youngster Tendillo as an option at centre back.

“Ricardo Costa is out injured and we need to complete the squad,” admitted Pizzi. Having Tendillo in the centre of the defence could be an option. He is on the list, but we shall decide later if we include him in the 18 spots allowed for the game.”

“Philippe Senderos should be back for Thursday’s Europa League game, but I don’t think Ricardo Costa will make it. That seems far more unlikely.”

Two players who have returned from injury recently are Oriol Romeu and Pablo Piatti, who are hitting their stride at present –as are the team as a whole. “We are very happy with them. We want to continue in this way and have a small hope of cutting the gap to those above us in the remaining five games. All the players know of the need to win this game.”

Speaking about the motivation that has driven Valencia CF on in recent weeks, Pizzi had a warning: “I don’t like to base my teams’ performances on motivation. It is a weak foundation and it becomes diluted when you can’t find it in every game. Our task is to be professional and try to perform at our best, whatever the game.”

"I think that El Sadar is a difficult place to go,” warned Pizzi. “Although they have varied their playing style a little, they basically use their physical presence and strength to try and find the centre forward with long balls. We will be alert. They need to pick up points to get clear of the relegation zone, and we need points in order to get into Europe via the league.”