Valencia boss drops Negredo for Gent visit

Negredo, who played a vital role in getting Valencia back into the group stages for the first time in three years with his away goal in a 4-3 aggregate win over Monaco in the playoffs, was also left out of the squad for Saturday's 3-0 win over Malaga.

The former Manchester City striker claimed in an interview with Madrid sports daily Marca last week that the poor return from all of Valencia's forwards this season may be because the coaching staff are asking them to play too far away from goal.

"All the decisions we take for the squad are based in sporting motives," Nuno said on Monday.

"We are looking for the best for the team. This is a long year and everyone will be important."

Despite his goal against Monaco, Negredo has failed to live up to his 30 million euro ($34 million) price tag since joining from City at the start of last season.

"I believe in all the players in this squad and it is my obligation as a coach to get the best performance out of every player," added Nuno.

Victory at the weekend was just Valencia's third in eight league games this season, but a 1-0 win at Lyon last time out in the Champions League has kept them on course to qualify for the last 16.

"It is fundamental to consolidate the sensations and performances from the game against Malaga, but it is a different opponent and a different competition.

"We think we are well-placed in the Champions League, we have two games at home and away to go that will decide our fate."

Australian goalkeeper Matt Ryan again missed out on the squad as he continues to recover from knee surgery, whilst Tunisian international Aymen Abdennour is also absent through injury.