Raul Albiol, Valencia youth player and Spanish Under-19 international was yesterday involved in a serious car accident on the A-3 road to Madrid.

Albiol , who was due to be loaned to Getafe for the season, was travellling with his father and a representative to the Madrid side when the accident occurred. Albiol was sitting in the back seat, but suffered the worst injuries after the BMW left the motorway, hit the central reservation, and rolled six times times. The Valencia player hit his head against the front seats, then was thrown out of the car when a door opened.

Albiol was taken by helicopter to the nearest hospital, where he was diagnosed with spinal and lower back injuries, but, according to Spanish reports, escaped without head injuries. The other two passengers were left relatively unhurt.

The 19-year-old Valencian was in hospital last night undergoing a four hour emergency operation, after which, he regained consciousness. Today, he is reported to be recovering, and breathing unassisted.