Antonio Valencia Injury: Updates on Star's Recovery from Foot Surgery

Manchester United's Antonio Valencia is expected to remain absent for the majority of the season after undergoing foot surgery on an injury picked up during Oct. 25's 0-0 draw with Manchester City.

Continue for updates.

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Van Gaal Comments on Valencia Timeline

Friday, Nov. 20

"Valencia is longer term and very long," manager Louis Van Gaal told MUTV, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News. "It is not within three months or something. It is a very heavy injury."

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Valencia Reportedly Sidelined Until 2016

Wednesday, Nov. 11

"Valencia is facing five months out following foot surgery," reported the Sun. "The winger did not realise how serious the problem was and may have made it worse by playing on through the pain."

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Van Gaal Confirms Valencia Sustained Injury During Derby

Tuesday, Nov. 10

"He had a kick on his foot in the first half and then I let [Matteo] Darmian warm up on the touchline," said Van Gaal, per James Robson of the Manchester Evening News. "But then he played further. However, at the end, he could not continue."

The winger tweeted a picture from his hospital bed as his recuperation begins:

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Spotlight on Jones During Valencia's Absence

Valencia featured in defence for Van Gaal for most of last season, and during the current campaign he has found himself used as an auxiliary right-back as the manager switches his options.

The 30-year-old has performed well in his adjusted role, featuring nine times in the Premier League and Europe, according to WhoScored.com.

The loss of Valencia will be softened by the return from injury of Phil Jones, who can step in at right-back from his preferred central berth.

Despite a bright start, Matteo Darmian has lost form, which would have seen Valencia drafted into the starting XI in the coming weeks, but Jones gives United a valid alternative.