Kluivert blow for Che

Valencia striker Patrick Kluivert will be sidelined for ten days with a muscle injury.

The former Milan and Barcelona hot-shot has been unable to get his career with Los Che off the ground since his summer move from Newcastle, with a run of injuries and unconvincing form limiting his impact.

He has now been laid low after picking up a muscle problem in his right leg, and is not expected to return to fitness until January.

Kluivert has definitely been ruled out of Quique Sanchez Flores' plans for the Liga games against Alaves and Mallorca, whilst he could also miss the trip to Vicente Calderon to face Atletico Madrid on January 8.

Valencia are currently sixth in La Liga, and a successful festive period could see them break into the top three.