Valbuena sprains left knee in training accident

Marseille winger Mathieu Valbuena sprained his left knee in a training accident on Saturday and will be out for several weeks.

The defending French champion said on its website that the 26-year-old France international damaged ligaments in his knee going in for a tackle.

He will have further tests on Sunday to determine how long he will be out, but club doctor Christophe Baudot said Valbuena is certain to be absent ''several weeks.''

He will miss France's friendly against Brazil at Stade de France on Feb. 9, and is unlikely to be ready for Marseille's home match against Manchester United in the Champions League two weeks later.

Valbuena has seven appearances for France and has been one of Marseille's best players so far this season.