Argentina midfielder Pablo Aimar is a major doubt for the World Cup finals after being diagnosed with a form of viral meningitis.

The Valencia star was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after suffering headaches and a fever and is expected to remain there for at least 10 days.

The strain of meningitis the 26-year-old is suffering from is not life threatening and will not have any long-term affect on his career, but Valencia do not yet know how long his recovery will take.

Neurologist Jose Tatay Ramirez told the club's official website: "At the moment the patient is stable and his initial condition has improved.

"He will need to remain in hospital to see how he evolves and responds to the prescribed treatment."