Spaniard Valeron out for a year after third knee operation

Deportivo La Coruna's Spanish international midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron had a third operation on an injured left knee yesterday, in an attempt to save his career.

It is hoped that he will be able to return to playing again in around a year, doctor Rafael Arriaza was quoted as saying on the club's website.

The 31-year-old, who has been capped 46 times for Spain, first underwent surgery after tearing the cruciate ligament in his left knee in January 2006.

He returned to action six months later only to tear the ligament again while playing in a pre-season friendly against Benfica.

After a second operation, he was given the all-clear to return to action in January this year but continued to feel pain in his knee.