Aitor Ruibal Injury: Won't be available Sunday

Ruibal (muscular) suffered an injury in Thursday's clash against PAOK in the Europa League and will miss Sunday's clash against Alaves, coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed in a press conference. "It's difficult to give a diagnosis right now, but both are muscle injuries and they definitely won't be available for the weekend. Aitor felt discomfort and stopped in time, Gio's injury happened a minute after he came on. We won't know for sure until we have the medical tests, but what's certain is that they won't be ready for the next match."

Ruibal will miss Sunday's clash against Alaves after suffering a muscular injury during Thursday's clash against PAOK in the Europa League. The versatile defender will likely be assessed in the coming hours to know the extend of the injury and his absence will force a change in the starting XI since he has been a regular starter at right-back or on the left-wing during the absence of Ez Abde. With Abde back from the AFCON, the absence of Ruibal will be beneficial to Angel Ortiz if Hector Bellering (muscular) remains out.