Diego Alves, Victor Ruiz out for a month

Valencia have been hit with the news that they will be without the services of goalkeeper Diego Alves and defender Victor Ruiz for at least the next month of the season.

Alves was forced to depart in the first period of their 2-1 win over Villarreal at the weekend, with subsequent tests revealing that the Brazilian had suffered a torn hamstring.

Ruiz, meanwhile, also left the field in the same match before the interval and tests revealed a torn thigh muscle for the centre-back.

It is understood that both players will be unavailable for at least the next month, but the pair are expected to return before the end of the season.