Knee injury rules Valdes out of World Cup

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes was ruled out of the World Cup on Wednesday after suffering cruciate ligament damage in his right knee during his side's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday. The 32-year-old, who has signalled his indication to leave Barca at the end of the season, was seen was seen crying as he left the field after just 23 minutes on a stretcher after jarring his knee whilst lunging towards the ball. Valdes will also miss Spain's defence of their World Cup title in Brazil later this year. "Victor Valdes has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will require surgery," Barcelona confirmed via the club's official Twitter account. "It is very bad luck and a very costly injury, too much for a game that means just three points," Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta told Barca TV. Midfielder Andres Iniesta, meanwhile admitted it was difficult for the Barca players to concentrate on the game after the injury. "It was an uncomfortable situation on the pitch. The players weren't the same, the fans weren't the same. Everything seemed a bit strange. "The important thing now is that he recovers well." Valdes has made the fourth highest number of appearances in Barca's history having been first-choice goalkeeper at the club since 2003. He has won six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues in that time, but announced last year he would leave the Catalan capital at the end of the current season to seek a new challenge. Source: AFP