体坛英语新闻：Barca face Valdes loss after keeper falls injured in South Africa

MADRID, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona look to have suffered another major injury setback on Tuesday night as goalkeeper Victor Valdes fell victim to a calf injury during Spain's 1-0 defeat in South Africa.

Valdes replaced Iker Casillas at the start of the second half, but had to be replaced by Pepe Reina after going to ground in his penalty area in the 75th minute of the game.

Valdes was unable to remain in his feet and was in clear pain and Spanish TV commentators highlighted that he said to the medical staff that he had "torn his calf."

If that is the case, it is a huge blow for Barcelona, given that despite being in the last year of his contract with the club and insisting he would leave at the end of the season, Valdes has been in arguably the form of his career.

A serious calf injury would sideline him for at least a month leaving his substitute Jose Pinto to take on first team duties.

The 38 year-old has made only 18 league appearances since joining the club in 2008, but has played regularly in the Copa del Rey, showing himself to be an experienced and reliable deputy, although perhaps without Valdes' speed and authority with his defenders.

He will now most likely play in Barca's home game against Granada this coming weekend and in the difficult trip to play Athletic Club Bilbao in San Mames the following weekend.

It should be remembered that Barca are also without Leo Messi after the striker damaged his hamstring in the league game against Betis 10 days ago.

Messi will be sidelined for between 6 to eight weeks and his loss, along with the probable absence of Valdes, will be a big loss for coach Tata Martino.