Villarreal have been rocked by the news that first-choice goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury.
Asenjo's worst fears have been realised, with the club saying that he tore the cruciate ligament injury in his right knee after falling awkwardly in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid.
The statement read, "After examinations and tests after the game against Atlético Madrid, Villarreal medical services report that Sergio Asenjo has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, combined with some more mild injuries, so it will require surgery.
'Villarreal will provide its full support to the player, giving much encouragement and wishing him a speedy and successful recovery."
It is the third time he has suffered such an injury in either knee, with the first coming somewhat ironically while he was an Atlético player back in 2010.
Tests on Thursday morning at the Hospital Rey Don Jaime in Castellón have now confirmed the original diagnosis, and he is set to miss around six months of action.
The 25-year-old has 37 appearances for Spain across various youth levels, but has never gone on to win a senior cap for his country.
He is set to be replaced in between the posts for the Yellow Submarine by 27-year-old Juan Carlos, who has just 36 league appearances to his name for the senior side despite making the step up from Villarreal B back in 2008.
Compatriot Víctor Valdés, now backup to David de Gea at Manchester United, has offered his support to Asenjo on Twitter.
"Always an example of perseverance and sacrifice," he Tweeted. "You'll come to win this battle! You are the strongest of all Sergio."