Tears and shock: a horrific injury for Valencia star

During the derby:

David Otorbi's joy at making his first start under Aguirre turned to a nightmare inside the opening minutes of the derby against Villarreal. The young Valencia talent suffered a serious injury and left the pitch on a stretcher, in tears, to the applause of the Mestalla crowd.

The fans had given the 19-year-old a warm welcome when the line-up was announced. He had come off the bench in the previous two matches and caught the eye, marking himself out as one of the brightest rising talents in the squad.

His start did not last long. Just 11 minutes in, the young winger went down as he tried to break into open space, one of his standout traits, before clutching the back of his right thigh in severe pain.

Unable to stand or walk, Otorbi left the medical staff with no choice but to carry him off on a stretcher. He covered his face as the tears came, a scene that stunned his team-mates and the supporters alike.

Valencia's fans knew exactly how serious the moment was. They chanted his name and applauded him warmly as he left the pitch, rallying behind a youngster whose first start had ended so abruptly.

The blow adds to Valencia's mounting problems. A run of injuries through September has already stretched Aguirre's options thin.