Acuña despair for Deportivo

RC Deportivo La Coruña midfield player Roberto Acuña will miss the rest of his side's challenge for the title in Spain after it was revealed he needed surgery on his left leg.

Last resort
Doctors estimated the 31-year-old would need at least two months to recover from the surgery, which has become necessary after the failure of other treatments to solve his muscle problems. The Paraguayan international, who played at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, will now be operated on next Tuesday by doctor Josep Borrell at the Clínica Asepeyo in Barcelona.

Thigh trouble
Acuña, nicknamed Toro, is in his first season with Deportivo, having joined them for €11m last summer from Real Zaragoza. He has been beset by thigh problems throughout the campaign, with his last appearance coming on 18 March in the UEFA Champions League second group stage match against Manchester United FC. Acuña made seven appearances in the Champions League in total.

Title challenge
Deportivo, who have also lost key striker Diego Tristán for a month, are the closest challengers to Primera División leaders Real Madrid CF. After a 4-2 victory against FC Barcelona last weekend, Deportivo are now just three points behind Madrid with both teams having played 29 matches. Javier Irureta's side are next in action on Sunday when they welcome Sevilla FC to the Riazor.