Athletic Bilbao have confirmed winger Iker Muniain will be out of action for up to 6-7 months.
Muniain was stretchered off in tears during Bilbao’s 2-0 loss to Sevilla on Saturday. The club had initially announced he had suffered a sprained knee, but after further MRI tests on Tuesday, it was revealed it is much more severe than that.
“A torn cruciate ligament has been detected in his left knee,” said a statement on the club's official website after the player underwent a scan.
“The estimated time out oscillates between six and seven months.”
The 22-year-old will be out until approximately November.
Muniain is a product of the Athletic youth ranks and made his debut for the senior side in 2009.
The winger has two goals and four assists to his name in all competitions this season.
Bilbao take on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on May 30th and Muniain will definitely be a big loss for the team.
Athletic currently sit eight in the the La Liga standings, 11 points back of a UEFA Europa League spot with nine games remaining.