Injured Valdes Ruled Out of World Cup

Barcelona and Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes is set to miss this summer’s World Cup after suffering anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage in his knee.

Valdes was stretchered off during Barca’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday. He suffered the injury 22 minutes into the game at the Nou Camp, shortly after denying a Celta Vigo free-kick.

Barcelona later announced the 32-year-old had torn his ACL
and requires surgery.

Victor Valdes Stretchered Off During Barca's Win Over celta Vigo at Nou Camp.
Victor Valdes Stretchered Off During Barca’s Win Over celta Vigo at Nou Camp.

Valdes may have played his last game for the Catalans, having already announced he will quit Barca at the end of this season, when he completes his current contract.

“We won’t sign a goalkeeper. We will finish the season with this group,” Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said.

“I am not one to believe in bad luck, but at this stage of the season I thought everything that was to happen had already occurred. I was wrong.

“It’s a big blow but this team has rolled with punches for some time now and we will pull through this.”

It is the goalkeeper’s second injury, after injuring his calf in Spain’s 1-0 loss to South Africa in a friendly last November. That injury saw him miss eight games for Barcelona.