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Freak injury robs Villarreal of Fuentes

Villarreal CF defender Fabricio Fuentes will be missing for the rest of the season after sustaining a serious knee complaint during a pre-match warm-up session.

Fabricio Fuentes (in black) will be out for the rest of the season
Fabricio Fuentes (in black) will be out for the rest of the season ©Getty Images

Villarreal CF defender Fabricio Fuentes will be out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury during a warm-up session.

Surgery booked
Tests this morning revealed that the 31-year-old Argentinian tore ligaments in his left knee while preparing for last night's Copa del Rey victory over RC Recreativo de Huelva – and he has been booked in for corrective surgery. Villarreal have been told not to expect him to be fit for another six months, effectively sidelining him until the 2008/09 campaign.

'Stupid injuries'
"It's a tough blow but I'm ready mentally and know what's in store because of this stupid injury," said Fuentes, who arrived at Villarreal from Mexican outfit FC Atlas early last season. "I know I will be back and I will work as hard as I can to return as quickly as possible." Fuentes, capped once by his country, played 18 Primera División games for Villarreal this term, scoring twice, and also featured in four UEFA Cup ties. Villarreal meet FC Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 in February.

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