David Otorbi is forced off injured on a stretcher

Valencia CF

This Saturday afternoon at Mestalla took a turn for the worst for Valencia CF in the opening stages of their clash with Villarreal. The young winger David Otorbi, 19 had to leave the pitch on a stretcher in the 13th minute after going down on the grass with clear signs of pain, a major blow for both the player and the team's plans in LaLiga.

The physical setback comes at the worst possible time for the Valencia youth prospect, as today's game marked his debut as a starter under Javier Aguirre -- the third time he had started this season so far -- a reward for his good run of form and the growing role he had earned thanks to his recent performances on the pitch. However, his involvement lasted only a moment. After feeling a sharp pinch, the medical staff had to rush in to treat him and, finally, take him off the field on a stretcher.

The first medical impressions point clearly to a muscular injury in the back of the thigh, specifically in the hamstring area. Despite the evidence from the footage, the Valencia CF has not yet issued an official medical report with the definitive diagnosis or the estimated time out, pending exhaustive medical tests in the coming hours to determine the exact extent of the problem.

With this unexpected setback, coach Javier Aguirre was forced to adjust his initial tactical plan on the fly. In the 15th minute, just two minutes after Otorbi was unable to continue, he brought on Dani Raba to take his place on the pitch. Otorbi's injury not only halts the progress and confidence of one of the club's young prospects, but also leaves the coaching staff without an important attacking piece for the next fixtures on both the fantasy and official calendars.