Ecuador have suffered a disappointment with the injury news surrounding winger Antonio Valencia.

The Manchester United man is an important player for the national team, but he will miss the upcoming Copa America due to a recurring injury problem in his ankle. The winger underwent ankle surgery back in 2010, but it is understood that the plates and screws used during that period is causing the players some trouble. Hence, he is looking to use this summer as an opportunity to rectify this issue. It would allow him enough recuperating time to be back in contention for a first-team spot in the United squad.

Copa America is an extremely important tournament for the South American teams, but Valencia has taken the gamble to miss this tournament in order to be fit for United. The national team manager, Gustavo Quinteros, says that he is extremely disappointed to be without his main man. Valencia has featured in 75 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2005. Ecuador have a really tough start to the competition, as they are up against hosts and favourites Chile in the first group match. They also have matches against Bolivia, which is seen as the big hope for Ecuador, and Mexico in the remaining phase..

“The plates or screws were causing trouble.Therefore they (United) decided on an operation. It was urgent surgery for Antonio. I want him to be 100 per cent in World Cup qualifying.The surgery was not something that was planned long ago,” said the national team manager. Ecuador played against Panama in two friendly matches before the start of the tournament. Even though the first game finished as a 1-1 draw, the second and last friendly ended up being a convincing 4-0 win. Valencia is expected to be back for the United pre-season tour in July.