Lacruz blow for Athletic

Athletic Club Bilbao have lost Mari Lacruz for up to six months with a cruciate ligament injury.

Right knee
The 26-year-old defender, who must undergo surgery, will miss the beginning of next season as he recovers from the problem in his right knee, sustained in a match against Albacete Balompié.

UEFA Cup hopes
In Lacruz's absence, Athletic will try and clinch fifth place in the Primera División and a UEFA Cup berth in their remaining two matches of the season. They currently hold the position on 53 points, with Club Atlético de Madrid a point behind and Villarreal CF and Málaga CF also in contention.