Rayo Vallecano: Coach Iñigo Pérez offers assurances over Senegalese midfielder Pathé Ciss

Rayo Vallecano coach Iñigo Pérez reassured supporters after Senegalese midfielder Pathé Ciss left Thursday’s Copa del Rey tie against Real Ávila with an injury concern.

Ciss returned to action in the Spanish Cup after missing the Valencia match through suspension.

Pérez placed the 31-year-old in central defence for the second-round clash, and he delivered a solid performance in a tightly contested 2–1 win.

The evening took a worrying turn late in regulation time when Ciss picked up a knock.

Pérez replaced him at the start of extra time, raising fears of a possible setback so close to a congested fixture period.

However, the Rayo coach quickly dismissed any major concerns when addressing the media after the final whistle.

“I think it comes from fatigue,” Pérez said, explaining that the change aimed to protect the Senegal international rather than respond to a serious injury.

His comments brought relief to fans who feared a longer absence.

Ciss will still sit out Sunday’s league match against Espanyol, as he continues to serve a two-game suspension after receiving a red card in Oviedo.

The midfielder completed the first part of the ban during last week’s La Liga draw with Valencia.

Despite his brief scare in the Copa del Rey, Ciss will rejoin the squad for Thursday’s Conference League meeting with Jagiellonia.

His return will boost a Rayo side managing a heavy schedule while relying on his experience and versatility across midfield and defence.