Villarreal’s preparations for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final with Arsenal have suffered a blow with the news that Santi Cazorla will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing the fibula in his right leg during the 3-0 loss to Almería on Saturday.
The Spanish international was carried off on a stretcher after 65 minutes with Villarreal three goals down and a man light following the dismissal of Robert Pirès. Initial medical examinations at a local hospital revealed the extent of the injury, which the 24-year-old suffered in a challenge with two Almería players. Further tests will be conducted on Monday morning to ascertain whether the player requires surgery and how long he will be sidelined for.
“I am very sad because a beautiful part of the season is approaching and I’ll miss it,” said Cazorla, who was ever-present in the Liga this term. “It’s a big disappointment for me. I understand the severity of the injury and I will continue to support my team-mates. I fell badly and as soon as I heard a crack I knew that something was wrong.”