Banega Breaks Leg in Car Accident, Requires Surgery

This afternoon, after leaving a training session in anticipation of tonight's game against Barcelona, Ever Banega was involved a car accident that broke his left tibia.  The break was not a clean one, resulting in his leg being broken into pieces, which requires a riskier surgery as it is now necessary to remove the bone shards from the wound.  It is suspected that Banega will be out for at least six months, ending his current season and increasing the probability that this injury may very well take time away from next season.  This injury couldn't come at a worse time for Banega.  Having more regular minutes with Valencia has improved his form, gotten him noticed and featured regularly on Argentina's national team, and recently earned him a contract renewal with Valencia.

Banega's injury, while very serious and worthy of concern, will not hurt Valencia's Champions League and Europa League bids as much as people might think.  Valencia can probably kiss the league goodbye, being a full eight points behind second place Barcelona and a whopping 21 points behind first place Real Madrid.

However, Valencia will still be shooting to land a Champions League spot for next season, and this is very much within their reach as they sit firmly in third place.  Holding on to this spot will mean they will have to keep up their good form in the league, which many believe will be more difficult without Banega.  Tino Costa is currently in good form and has challenged Banega for the starting spot all season, making him the obvious replacement for Banega.  Dani Parejo will serve as adequate backup for Costa, and could challenge for a starting spot himself if he can find his form in the coming season.

Valencia is hoping to win the Europa League, which is still a possibility considering they have a 1-0 away goal advantage over Stoke City from the first leg of the two-legged tie and are considered one of the stronger teams in the competition.

In all practicality, Banega's injury is more dangerous to Banega himself than to his club.  Valencia can get by with the players they have in reserve and if those players shine, Banega might find himself on the bench for longer than he would like.  That being said, let's hope he recovers quickly and finds his form once again so he can help Valencia to a league title next season!

Written by David Wall; Edited by Matt Tobin