Valencia will be without the services of mercurial winger Goncalo Guedes for a period of three-four weeks as the 20-year-old underwent a surgery for an injury sustained in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona, the club confirmed.
“Late on Monday night, under the supervision of Valencia CF’s medical department, Goncalo Guedes has undergone a procedure on the fifth toe of his left foot,” the Spanish side said in a statement.
“The operation involved placing a screw that will give the target area some support. The player is already resting and will be discharged from hospital on Tuesday. His recovery is estimated to take 3-4 weeks, depending on how the situation develops,” the club added.
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Guedes, who is on loan from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, has played a pivotal role in Valencia’s resurgence this season.
In eight starts, the 20-year-old has scored thrice and has provided five assists as Los Che Els Taronges have made an impressive start to their La Liga campaign.
Currently trailing Barcelona by four points, Valencia have been the surprise package in the Spanish top-flight and gave as good as they got when the mighty Catalans came visiting on Sunday.
Striker Rodrigo Moreno gave the hosts the lead on the hour-mark before Barcelona fullback Jordi Alba scored a well-worked equaliser eight minutes from time to ensure both sides had a share of spoils at the full-time whistle.
Along with leaders Barcelona and third-placed Atletico Madrid, Valencia are the only side to still be unbeaten after 13 rounds of matches.
Marcelino García Toral’s men next take on Zaragoza in a Copa del Rey round-of-32 second-leg tie on Thursday night. They have a 2-0 lead from the first leg and will go into Thursday’s tie as heavy favourites.