'Irreplaceable' - Rayo Vallecano coach highlights suspended Uche is a influential player for Getafe

Rayo Vallecano head coach Inigo Perez has acknowledged the significant impact the absence of Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche could have on Friday night's La Liga clash between his side and Getafe.

Uche is set to miss the fixture as he serves a suspension, following a red card in Getafe's match against Espanyol. 

The Nigerian has been instrumental for Getafe this season, contributing eight goals — with three goals and five assists — in 30 league appearances.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Perez was full of praise for the 24-year-old's influence at Getafe.

"Well, the influence of a player's absence always has to be taken into account, even more so in a player like Uche, who we've seen throughout the season at Getafe, his influence can be," Perez was quoted as saying by Futbol Fantasy.

"It's palpable, it's visible and anyone who watches Getafe realises how important he is to their coach and their team."

The Rayo boss, however, cautioned against underestimating the opposition despite Uche's absence, noting that Getafe boasts depth in quality.

"So, it's an absence that they'll surely make up for with another top-level player, because that's what their squad says.

"It affects us in a way, because those characteristics, that trait, are irreplaceable, each one is different from the other, but another player will come in who we'll surely have to take into account and adapt to that profile."

Uche's impressive season has also caught the attention of national team selectors, with manager Eric Chelle naming him in the Super Eagles provisional squad ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, although he did not crack the final squad. 

The dynamic midfielder will now focus on returning strongly from suspension, with the goal of helping Getafe push for a European spot as the La Liga season nears its climax.

Adeyemi Adewale  

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