Defensive despair for Valencia

Valencia CF right-back Curro Torres has been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.

Surgery needed
The defender had already missed the last four weeks of action but the problem is worse than first feared. After tests on his right leg in Barcelona yesterday, the club has decided to operate on the Spanish international.

Doctors decide
"In the tests we noticed a good improvement, but not enough to guarantee the stability of the knee, therefore we will have to operate," Jordi Candel, the head of the club’s medical staff told Valencia’s official website.

Replacement ready
The 26-year-old suffered the injury on 11 January in a Primera División match against Real Sociedad. Although his absence will be a bitter blow to the club, they have a ready made replacement in the form of recent arrival Anthony Reveillère from Stade Rennais FC. The French defender signed for the club last month and is eligible for their forthcoming UEFA Champions League games. Another option is Javier Garrido.

Win needed
Valencia return to Champions League action on Tuesday with an away match against AS Roma. The Spanish champions have two draws from their first two matches in the second group stage, and trail Group B leaders Arsenal FC by two points.