Barcelona 'keeper Valdes to miss Bilbao match

Barcelona 'keeper Valdes to miss Bilbao match

Published Feb. 20, 2011 2:03 p.m. ET

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes will miss Sunday's league match against Athletic Bilbao with a knee injury.

Team doctors say the 29-year-old Spain international is experiencing soreness in his left knee and will rest as a precaution.

Valdes has played all 23 league games for the defending champion this season and has allowed a league-best 12 goals.

Backup Jose Pinto will likely start in his place. Pinto held Bilbao scoreless in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in January.

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Barcelona is in first place in the Spanish league and can extend its lead over Real Madrid to five points with a win over Bilbao.

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