Andoni Zubizarreta has commented on the unfortunate and rare nature of Victor Valdes’ injury, but asserted confidence in Barcelona’s back-ups.
The Catalans are facing an anxious wait for the results of tests on their No 1 goalkeeper, after he was forced off playing for Spain against South Africa on Tuesday night.
An initial diagnosis from La Roja’s medical staff is that Valdes has suffered a torn calf muscle and that if confirmed, he could face as long as six weeks on the sidelines.
“A muscle injury for a goalkeeper is generally rare, they usually suffer with knocks,” considered Zubizarreta to reporters today.
“I have suffered some and they can leave you a bit disconcerted, so it is not good news, but we have Pinto, Oier and Masip, we’ll play with one and are sure they will do well.
“Whilst the first choice is healing we will determine who will be in the best position to play.
“Injuries never come at a good time. But it is what it is, we do not pick the time, things happen in life and now we have to prepare for the match on Saturday [against Granada] with a new schedule under these conditions.
“Then we will look to recover him as soon as possible whilst giving opportunity to the others.
“There will be 11 players in the Barcelona shirt and with them all we will compete on Saturday and then in Amsterdam and then in Bilbao.”
Barca are also without Lionel Messi, who is into a second week of recovery following a torn hamstring.
“The first point is to heal and well and that within this process he can reach his optimal condition and is able to compete.
“When we look at someone like Leo, we expect him to compete not at 60 per cent and sometimes not even at 100 out of 100, but at times to be at 110 per cent.
“All the steps in his recovery are being done very well.”
