Silva missed Spain's opening two World Cup qualifiers due to a long-standing left knee ligament problem which, it has now been decided, requires an operation.

He will go under the knife next Tuesday, and according to reports is set to be sidelined until the end of 2008.

A statement on www.valenciacf.es read: "Following the most recent tests carried out this morning (Friday) and a meeting between the David Silva and the coach, and having spoken to vice-president Fernando Gomez, we have decided to carry out surgery on the player.

"The operation will be carried out next Tuesday in Barcelona by Dr Cugat."

Coach Unai Emery, while disappointed by the news, insisted the 22-year-old should be given as long as possible to recover correctly.

"The player needs to get better and that is the most important thing," he said.

"He's made a real effort by playing with pain and we're all grateful for that. Now the most important thing is for him to get well.

"Surgery is inevitable. We have solutions to his absence within the squad and whoever plays will do a good job."