Valencia's Coquelin needs surgery on torn Achilles tendon

Valencia midfielder Francis Coquelin will miss the rest of the season and could be out for six months after tearing his Achilles tendon in training on Friday. 

Coquelin had to leave the session in an ambulance and coach Marcelino explained in a news conference that he would need immediate surgery on the injury. 

The severity of the French midfielder's injury saw the session cut short as Valencia prepared for this weekend's game against Alaves.  

"We have had a big setback in training with the injury to Coquelin," Marcelino said. "During the session he tore his Achilles tendon, it's a serious injury and leaves us without an important player, one who has shown qualities as a human and a professional since he arrived.

"He had adapted to the group and our game brilliantly. We're sad to lose him. We hope that he has a quick recovery because he's a strong guy with a very positive mentality." 

Coquelin joined Valencia in January from Premier League side Arsenal.