MADRID, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Valencia's problems deepened on Monday after the club confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala has suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for several weeks.
The goalkeeper, on loan from Athletic Bilbao, was hurt while trying to stop Celta Vigo's opening goal in Valencia's 4-1 defeat at Balaidos on Saturday.
Agirrezabala tried to play on but was clearly hampered in the closing stages. He was unable to move across to prevent Hugo Alvarez from scoring Celta's fourth goal and then collapsed in tears, with midfielder Pepelu finishing the match in goal as Celta eased off in the final moments.
Valencia coach Carlos Corberan said after the match that the injury "looked serious," and the club confirmed the diagnosis on Monday.
"After all the tests carried out, Valencia goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala has been diagnosed with a hamstring muscle injury in his left leg, sustained during the match against RC Celta de Vigo."
"The VCF goalkeeper will undergo medical treatment, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation at the club's training ground until clinical improvement," the statement added.
Valencia did not give a return date, but Agirrezabala is unlikely to be back before mid-February, meaning he could miss six or seven La Liga matches.
The setback comes at a difficult moment, with Valencia dropping into the relegation zone after Saturday's loss and facing a demanding run of fixtures in the next six weeks.
Agirrezabala's understudy, Stole Dimitrievski, is also sidelined with a groin problem, leaving third-choice Cristian Rivero as the likely starter next weekend at home to Elche. ■
