Vicente out for another month

Valencia CF midfielder Vicente Rodríguez's comeback has been delayed for another four weeks after medical tests revealed a scar on his left thigh muscle.

Existing problem
The injury-hit 26-year-old has played just one competitive game since an April ankle problem - the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie against IF Elfsborg three weeks ago, in which he scored but then hurt his thigh and was substituted. After travelling to Madrid for a second opinion, scans revealed that a muscle had not healed fully from a previous problem.

Explanation
Dr Pedro Guillén, who carried out the examination, said: "Vicente pulled his thigh muscle some time ago and we have found a 30-40mm scar. Scars are always painful and we're putting him under treatment so he won't be able to play again for a month. As for his ankles, they're in perfect shape. There's no damage to the ligaments, just minor tendonitis." The Spanish international will miss Valencia's opening UEFA Champions League games against FC Schalke 04 and Chelsea FC, but should be back for the trip to Rosenborg BK on Matchday 3.