A big injury update has tonight occurred as Valencia has announced Santi Mina will be out of action for Thursday night.

The Spanish outfit travel to Parkhead for the first leg of their last-32 Europa League clash. And it was previously revealed that Gabriel could also miss the clash over the weekend.

But tonight, the La Liga giants have revealed on their official website that eight-goal Mina will also be out.

A statement on the official Valencia site says the following:

“After tests carried out on Monday morning, Santi Mina has been diagnosed with a posttraumatic sprain of his left ankle.

“The injury will rule him out of action for the upcoming games. His condition will be assessed further this week.”

A massive boost to Celtic’s chances

He may only have eight goals this season, but so much of Valencia’s play goes through Mina.

It’s likely that Kevin Gameiro will be his direct replacement alongside Rodrigo. Therefore, as expected, the Mestalla outfit still have a quality replacement on hand to take the baton.

Mina has played a total of 26 matches for Valencia this term, however. He is their number one striker, and him being out has a positive effect on Celtic regardless.

It’s obviously unclear as to whether the striker will be out for the second leg. Given the trip to the Mestalla is just seven days after the first-leg, he’ll be in a race against time.

This is a blow that Valencia manager Marcelino Garcia Toral could certainly do without. His side have failed to win in their last three matches – granted one was a 2-2 draw at Barcelona.

Mina’s influence on Valencia is substantial, even if it’s not backed up by assist stats – of which he only has one this season.

Brendan Rodgers, however, will be continuing his preparation as normal. He has injury problems of his own, and will be hoping Emilio Izaguirre and Jozo Simunovic are fit to go after recent knocks.

It’s all heating up nicely as the Hoops prepare to welcome their talented European foes.