RC Deportivo La Coruña will be without influential midfield player Juan Valerón for around two months because of a fractured fibula, the Spanish club announced today.

Heavy tackle
Valerón suffered the injury to his left leg during Deportivo's 2-0 win over Real Valladolid in the Primera División on Saturday after setting up both goals. The Spanish international had to be substituted in the 51st minute of the match following a heavy tackle from behind by defender Juan Manuel Peña.

Champions League blow
The news will come as a major blow to Deportivo's UEFA Champions League hopes. Valerón, who was outstanding in Deportivo's 3-2 victory over FC Bayern München last week, is almost certain to miss his side's five remaining Group G games in the first group stage.

'Recovery time'
A statement on Deportivo's official website read: "After carrying out tests on Juan Valerón, the medical services of the club have diagnosed a break with no displacement on his shin. The approximate recovery time for an injury like this is two months."