IT IS nearly 100 years since Spanish flu was a major issue in Stoke-on-Trent.

But the Valencia press were suggesting the team might need an extra plane-full of tissues when they jetted into the Potteries yesterday.

Admittedly, this rash of red noses is not as deadly as the notorious H1N1 strain of flu, which was coughed and sneezed around the world in 1918.

But it has been enough to rule that left-back-cum-winger Jordi Alba, Spain's answer to Gareth Bale, is too ill to make the 1,800-mile round trip.

Striker Roberto Soldado and midfielder Pablo Hernandez have already spent time on the sidelines this month nursing particularly bad runny noses.

Goalkeeper Diego Alves has also been struck down, and although he has travelled with the squad, youth team boy Adrian Lluna is available on standby.

Daily sports paper Super Deporte reported: "First it was Soldado, then Hernandez, now Alba and Alves.

"In the case of Alba, it is acute tonsillitis and he was still with fever yesterday.

"He did not train on Monday and has decided not to go to England.

"Alves's virus is milder and it was decided at the last minute that he was good to go. Lluna is going as well, but (manager) Unai Emery had three keepers in his squad for the Champions League games anyway."

Deporte thinks Emery already has enough to worry about with Stoke's "many metres and many inches".

"City control the airspace," it continues, adding that "gangly" Peter Crouch should be the ringleader.

Yet it goes on to coin the fantastic metaphor, which hopefully was not lost in translation: "The former Liverpool is almost a tap dancer in a full set of wardrobes, a little quality but more than enough courage and fighting spirit."

Levante-EMV ran with "Un problema en la portería" – a huge debate about whether Alves or Vicente Guaita should start in goal.

The Valencia manager tends to alternate between the two, but Guatia has been swotting up on the Potters just in case, sitting through videos of Stoke highlights.

"Their throw-in is like a corner," said the keeper.

Centre-half Victor Ruiz is also expecting a physical battle, but he reckons the Europa League will capture the imagination of Valencia fans.

He said: "We are conscious that it won't be easy, but we intend to bring a good result back to Valencia."

PETER SMITH

More Stoke City articles on www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk today:

Stoke City: Vital statistics

Stoke City: Crouch still harbours England ambitions

Stoke City: Pulis calls on familiar face ahead of Euro tie

Goal is in sight for park campaigners

Stoke City: Crouch cooks up recipe for European success

Robbie Earle: Potters can rise to the occasion and cause a Euro stir

Wheel be with you!

Stoke City: We're desperate to face Spaniards, says Whelan

Stoke City: Shawcross eyes another big name to add to Britannia list

Stoke City: Valencia pen pics

Stoke City: Potters can repeat Boro feat, says Southgate

Stoke City: Valencia boss says he's aware of Stoke's strength from set-pieces

'The Potters have helped put our city firmly on the map'