Ever Banega played and scored for Valencia in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Barcelona despite a major cloud hanging over his future.

Super Deportes says Banega allegedly arrived at training last week in an apparent state of intoxication.

Valverde commented before the game: "The reality is that Éver arrived late for training and has a rightful penalty typified by the club. I will have to assess whether to take it further. There are players who have also been late for other reasons. I talked to him before and after training."

Valverde decided to go with Banega for the match and was rewarded with a goalscoring performance.