Barcelona keeper Valdes forced out with knee injury

MADRID (Reuters) -- Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes will have treatment on an injury to his left knee that has forced him to miss Sunday's league match at home to Athletic Bilbao, the club has said.

The Spain international, a member of their World Cup-winning squad, has had the problem since Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Barcelona have not specified how long the 29-year-old will be out of action, saying his availability for coming matches depends on how the knee reacts to treatment.

He could be doubtful for the second leg at home to Arsenal on March 8.

It is the first league match Valdes will have missed this season. Youth team keeper Oier Olazabal has been called up as cover, with reserve Jose Manuel Pinto expected to play at the Nou Camp.