Marchena Could Return For Valencia Against Slavia Prague

Valencia captain Carlos Marchena could make a return to first team action when Los Che take on Slavia Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, according Super Deporte. 

The versatile stopper suffered a torn hamstring muscle while on international duty for Spain last month and was due to miss up to a month of action but he has been included in a provisional squad of 20 that makes the trip to Czech Republic for this weeks game.

Coach Unai Emery must whittle that down to 18 tomorrow and barring setbacks Marchena may make the matchday squad. In the last two days at training the 30-year-old has worked on intensive exercises with fitness coach Paco Ayesteran in an effort to be ready for this testing trip.

Valencia have managed five clean sheets in their last six games and Marchena believes the defensive solidity has been a team effort and not just the role of the defenders.
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"It was from the game against Racing Santander in the [Primera] Liga, when we found that balance of not leaving the defence so unprotected. Now the whole team gives more importance to keep a clean sheet," he declared.