Valdés knee injury puts paid to season
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
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Goalkeeper Víctor Valdés appears to have played his last game for FC Barcelona after suffering a serious knee injury during the Liga triumph over RC Celta de Vigo.
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FC Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper Víctor Valdés has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 3-0 Liga victory at home to RC Celta de Vigo on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old was forced off in the 24th minute after landing awkwardly during Barcelona's win, which came via a Neymar double either side of Lionel Messi's 30th-minute strike. Following an initial assessment at the Camp Nou, the keeper was taken to hospital for further tests which confirmed the extent of the damage. Valdés is set to end a 20-year association with the club when his contract expires in the summer.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will also be feeling the loss, with Valdés – a 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2012 winner with La Roja – expected to be among the holders' plans for this summer's global showpiece in Brazil.
Barcelona face Liga rivals Club Atlético de Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, with the home leg taking place on Tuesday. The Rojiblancos host the return eight days later.
