Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia is set to miss ‘a good portion’ of the season following an operation on his injured ankle.
The Ecuadorian winger sustained the injury in an innocuous clash with Rangers’ Kirk Broadfoot in the 0-0 draw on Tuesday night.
Valencia underwent an operation on the injury on Wednesday night and the club confirmed that it was a success.
“The operation went well,” a club spokesperson told Manchester United’s official website.
“A plate has been inserted to stabilise the fracture but there is obvious significant ligament damage that follows a dislocation and he will be out for a good portion of the season.
“Contrary to recent reports there has been no official contact from the Ecuadorian national team. Antonio is perfectly fine, very positive and very determined.”
Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that the injury was similar to the one sustained by Alan Smith in an FA Cup clash with Liverpool in 2006. Smith was ruled out for seven months, but has since admitted that he returned to action too soon.
The injury is a massive setback for Valencia, who has made an excellent impression since arriving at Old Trafford from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009, but United team-mate Darren Fletcher is convinced he will be back.
“He is a strong character and a good lad. He has real determination and works hard. He will be back I am sure,†said Fletcher.
“He will have a long future at Manchester United.
