Spain & Barcelona Keeper Out For Seven Months

Spain and Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be out for seven months after undergoing successful knee surgery, meaning he will miss this summer's World Cup finals.

The 32-year-old suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in last week's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo.

He had surgery in Germany on Monday, with Barcelona confirming he would be out until at least October.

Valdes is leaving the Catalan club when his contract ends this summer.

"Victor Valdes has been operated on this Monday morning by doctors Ulrich Boenisch and Ricard Pruna in Augsburg on his torn anterior cruciate ligament," read a Barcelona statement.

"The knee's internal cartilage has been sewn up and the operation was concluded successfully.

" Valdes, who announced his intention to leave Barcelona last summer, has made 535 appearances since making his debut over a decade ago.

He has won six La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns and two Copa del Reys in his time at the club.

Valdes was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships.

His absence means Iker Casillas of Real Madrid and Napoli's Pepe Reina will likely compete for the number one spot at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Manchester United's David De Gea is also likely to be in contention for a place in the squad.

BBC SPORT