No easy fix for Nuno Valente
Friday, November 19, 2004
Article summary
FC Porto left-back Nuno Valente will not have surgery on his knee ligament injury, but remains sidelined.
Article body
Second opinion
Nuno Valente has not played since damaging his left knee in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Latvia on 4 September. The club were keen to investigate the possibility of an operation to cure the problem, but after sending the player to see a specialist in France this week for a second opinion, that option has been ruled out.
Bringing in cover
However, the 30-year-old will remain out of action, and the fact Porto have moved to sign Brazilian left-back Leandro, who will arrive in January, suggests he could be unavailable for some time yet.
Injury list
Nor is Nuno Valente the only injury worry facing coach Víctor Fernández. Goalkeeper Vítor Baía and midfielders Carlos Alberto and Diego are rated doubtful for Saturday's SuperLiga derby at home to Boavista FC, although forwards Derlei, César Peixoto and Hugo Leal are available again after injury.
