Ruben Baraja confirms impending return for Valencia star amid sexual abuse allegations

At the beginning of September, Valencia striker Rafa Mir was accused of sexual assault. He was charged and jailed for two days before eventually being released on bail. For now, the matter is still being investigated by the authorities concerned.

Mir has also been punished at home by Valencia, although his suspension has now ended. He will soon be available for first-team action, as confirmed by head coach Ruben Baraja (via Diario AS).

‘He’s doing well. But if you’re in a situation like he was in, where you’re about to return to the group and have to start over, it could affect you. He is doing well and we think that soon, in two to three weeks, he will be able to do things with the group and be ready for the second part of the season.”

Baraja also spoke about the impending return of captain Jose Gaya, who could make his first appearance in five months when Valencia face Las Palmas on Monday.

“For us it is an important return – he is our captain, one of the best players. It took a long time because his injury required those times and processes. We hope he gets back to his level and can contribute things for us, because at this time of the season we need everyone to be healthy.

“He feels good. His work during the week was good. He has options (to start against Las Palmas), just like others. Any player can start, and that includes Jose.”