Football
Reuters 18y

Soccer-Valeron's World Cup hopes shattered by knee injury

MADRID, Jan 22 - Juan Carlos Valeron's hopes of
making Spain's squad for this year's World Cup were shattered on
Sunday when the Deportivo Coruna midfielder tore the cruciate
ligament in his left knee during a Primera Liga match.

The 30-year-old playmaker scored the opening goal and then
won the penalty that led to Depor's second in a 2-2 draw against
Real Mallorca at the Riazor but his night was ruined when he
sustained the knee injury in the closing minutes.

Depor said Valeron, who has been back to his best form in
recent weeks, would be out of action for six to eight months.

Valeron has won over 40 caps and played in the 2002 World
Cup and Euro 2004.

He lost his place in Luis Aragones's squad after a loss of
form last season but appeared to be working his way back into
the reckoning with a series of fine performances for his club.

Spain captain Raul and influential midfielder Xavi face a
race against time to make the World Cup finals in Germany after
sustaining serious knee injuries earlier this season.

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