Frenchman Jeremy Mathieu has handed Valencia a boost by returning to first-team training earlier than expected.

It had been suggested that the centre-back, who has been forced to sit out training with a knee problem this week, could be out of action for the next month.

However, tests revealed that former Toulouse defender suffered no long-term damage and he is therefore expected to be available for his side's league fixture with Espanyol on Saturday.

However, Portuguese international Helder Postiga has missed training this week with a back complaint, which could keep him on the sidelines for the next couple of weeks.