Valencia - Spanish football giants Valencia announced on Tuesday that left-back Asier del Horno will be out of action for around three weeks due to injury.

The Basque defender has a twisted external ligament in his right knee, which should not require an operation, the club said. Del Horno, 27, suffered this injury in training earlier in the day.

Del Horno joined Valencia from Chelsea after missing the 2006 World Cup through injury. He has failed to be a regular at Mestalla and was loaned out to his original club, Athletic Bilbao, last season.

Valencia's other current injury victims are fellow Spanish internationals David Silva and Miguel Angel Angulo.

Unai Emery's team made a strong start this season but have slipped down to joint third, having lost their last two home games, against Sporting Gijon and Racing Santander. (dpa)