Team News: Nicolas Otamendi absent from Valencia lineup for Champions League clash

Nicolas Otamendi is absent from the Valencia lineup for their Champions League clash against Monaco amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

Reports have suggested that the defender is on the brink of a move to Manuel Pellegrini's men after a fee had been agreed between the clubs, and his absence tonight fuels the fire of a possible departure.

The Argentine is one of two notable absentees for Valencia as keeper Diego Alves also misses out, Matthew Ryan starting in his place between the sticks while Ruben Vezo starts alongside Shkodran Mustafi in the heart of the defence.

Stephan El Shaarawy misses out on selection this evening, but Anthony Martial does lead the line for Leonardo Jardim's men supported by Bernardo Silva and Ivan Cavaleiro.

Valencia: Ryan; Barragan, Mustafi, Ruben Vezo, Gaya; Enzo Perez; Feghouli, Parejo, De Paul, Rodrigo, Alcacer Subs: Cancelo, Orban, Negredo, Piatti, Yoel, Fuego, Mina

AS Monaco: Subasic; Ragic, Carvalho, Wallace, Elderson; Fabinho, Toulalan, Pasalic; Silva, Martial, Cavaleiro Subs: Dirar, Carrillo, Coulibaly, Bakayoko, Nardi, El Shaarawy, Toure

Follow all the action from the game with Sports Mole's live commentary here.