Valencia's Francis Coquelin to have surgery on torn achilles
Friday 16 March 2018 15:47, UK
Former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has torn his Achilles tendon during Valencia training on Friday.
The Frenchman will now undergo surgery on his right leg in an injury which is likely to keep him on the sidelines long-term.
Coquelin signed for Valencia in a £12m deal from Arsenal in January and has impressed at the Mestalla in his nine league appearances which include a goal in the 2-1 win at Malaga.
News of the 26-year-old's injury prompted Arsenal's official Twitter account to post: "We're thinking of you, Francis."
Valencia occupy the fourth and final Champions League place in La Liga, nine points ahead of fifth-placed Sevilla.
But with Coquelin's absence, head coach Marcelino will have to assess his midfield options at home to Alaves on Saturday as his side look to make it seven games unbeaten.
