Valencia winger Joaquin Sanchez is set to be sidelined for the next two weeks through injury, ruling him out of Saturday's mouthwatering showdown with Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

The 51-times capped Spain international underwent tests on his damaged left ankle this morning, after which it was estimated that he will be out action for 10 to 15 days.

Joaquin, 29, will have more tests on Friday to determine more accurately how long he will be missing, but it could be that he will sit out the Barça game, next week's UEFA Champions League trip to Rangers and the visit of Real Mallorca the following weekend.

Valencia are top of the Primera Division with 16 points from a possible 18, three more than fourth-placed Barça.