Madrid, March 27 (IANS): Spanish football giants Barcelona confirmed that goalkeeper Victor Valdes has suffered a serious knee injury during his side's 3-0 win at home to Celta Vigo and has been ruled out for the season.

Valdes broke the cruciate ligament of his right knee in the 21st minute of his side's victory, thanks to two goals from Neymar and one from Leo Messi here Wdnesday, reports Xinhua.

The Barca keeper was carried off the pitch on a stretcher and crying after saving a free kick in the 21st minute of the game.

Valdes' right knee appeared to get caught up in the grass of the Nou Camp Stadium and he crashed to the ground in pain unable to continue.

The goalkeeper was examined by club doctors in the dressing room and immediately taken to a clinic for further tests, where it was confirmed he had broken his cruciate ligament.

The injury means Valdes will miss the rest of the season and also this summer' s World Cup finals, where he looked certain to challenge Iker Casillas to be first choice for his country.

It is incredible bad luck for Valdes, who announced over a year ago that he was not going to renew his contract with Barcelona when it expires at the end of the current season.

Valdes will be a free agent when his current deal expires June 30, but despite rumors of interest from Manchester City he has yet to announce an agreement over which will be his new club and this injury could put a brake on any ongoing conversations

Jose Pinto replaced Valdes in the game and the veteran substitute will have had the club's technical staff worried when he stayed down on the pitch after colliding with the post in the second half. Fortunately for Barca, Pinto was able to continue after a couple of minutes treatment.