Banega positive offset by Albelda case rejection

MADRID (Reuters) - Valencia's turbulent season took another twist when the club said on Monday that Argentine midfielder Ever Banega had failed a roadside alcohol test.

But they received some good news later in the day when David Albelda's legal challenge against the club was rejected by the judge in charge of the case.

"Banega committed a traffic offence last night and as a result was given an alcohol test where he gave a positive," the Primera Liga club said on their Web site (www.valenciacf.es).

"Until the details of the incident become clear, Valencia will not make any comment.

"After the local police have completed their procedures the club will open an internal inquiry in accordance with its disciplinary code."

The 19-year-old Banega, who was signed from Boca Juniors for a fee of around $26.5 million in January, has been one of the club's outstanding players in recent games.

His performances on the pitch had helped put behind him the embarrassment of having a video of him naked put on the internet and played widely over the Spanish media just after he signed.

Valencia have suffered a tumultuous four months under coach Ronald Koeman, going out of the Champions League and dropping off the pace in the Primera Liga.

The decision to drop experienced stalwarts Santiago Canizares, Miguel Angel Angulo and Albelda for the rest of the season in December caused shockwaves that still reverberate around the club.