Valencia CF will be without midfielder Ever Banega for the rest of their group stage campaign after he suffered a strained knee ligament in Tuesday’s victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Banega was part of the starting XI in the match at Mestalla, but was forced to leave the pitch after only 24 minutes of play due to a knee injury.

The injury is a further blow to Valencia coach Unai Emery after creative midfielder Sergio Canales was last week ruled out for three to six months because of a serious knee injury.

The 23-year-old – who has made 12 appearances for Unai Emery’s side this season, including four in Europe – visited the hospital on Wednesday to undergo further examination, and a scan has revealed that he has suffered a strained knee ligament.

Valencia revived their hopes of reaching the tournament’s last 16 following Tuesday’s defeat of Leverkusen, but remain behind the Bundesliga team and Chelsea FC ahead of their penultimate encounter in the section at home to KRC Genk on 23 November.