Marseille's Azpilicueta facing lengthy lay-off

Olympique de Marseille right-back César Azpilicueta may not feature again this season after sustaining a knee ligament injury during his side's 4-0 victory against Montpellier Hérault SC.

Scans revealed that the Spanish Under-21 international, who signed from CA Osasuna in the summer, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee when falling awkwardly during the Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade Vélodrome.

Azpilicueta, who has featured in four of his side's five UEFA Champions League matches this season, will almost certainly miss the remainder of Marseille's European campaign, which will include the first knockout round of Europe's elite club competition after OM secured qualification from Group F with a 3-0 success against FC Spartak Moskva on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old's participation in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals in Denmark in June is also now under threat.