Valencia request for postponement of match against Real Madrid rejected

LaLiga has rejected Valencia's request to have their match against Real Madrid postponed due to a lack of available players.

Valencia had asked for the game to be called off after 18 members of their squad tested positive for Covid-19, leaving them with just 13 first-team players available.

However, LaLiga has ruled that the game must go ahead as scheduled on Thursday, January 20.

This is because Valencia have not met the criteria for a postponement, which is that they must have fewer than 13 players available, including five first-team players.

Valencia are now expected to field a weakened team against Real Madrid, who are top of the LaLiga table.

It is not yet clear if any of the Valencia players who have tested positive for Covid-19 will be able to recover in time to play in the match.

The game is due to be played at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia.