Banega facing spell on sidelines

Valencia midfielder Ever Banega could be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a knee injury in last night's UEFA Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, the Primera Division club have announced. The Argentina international had to be replaced after 24 minutes of the 3-1 triumph at the Mestalla and tests this morning have revealed he has strained ligaments in his right knee. According to the Valencia website, the 23-year-old Banega, who has been a virtual ever-present so far this season for Los Che, is likely to be out for between four and six weeks. Valencia will be relieved the problem is not more serious, having already lost Hedwiges Maduro (ankle) and Sergio Canales (knee) to long-term injuries this season.