It will be tough sledding for mid table Rayo Vallecano as their starting goalkeeper Tono has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a ligament tear in his knee.
Rayo lose their everyday keeper
Tono started ten out of the eleven La Liga matches for Rayo and he made twenty-five saves in those matches. He had three clean sheets but recieved a red card in their 3-0 loss against Celta Vigo. Although he had the three clean sheets this season, the stats sort of lie in this case. Tono and the defense gave up nineteen goals, one of the highest totals in La Liga.
Although Rayo stand 12th in the league, they are four points away from the relegation zone and their defense troubles could lead them into trouble considering they just lost their first choice goalie. But his injury in their last match against Granada will cost him six to eight months of playing time.
Who will replace him?
The first choice to replace Tono will be 27 year old Juan Carlos. He has only played in three games this year, starting only in one game however. He started in a 3-1 loss to Deportivo and came on as a sub against Granada and Celta Vigo. Carlos hasn't had much playing time and it may take some time for him to get adjusted to the starting role.
After coming over from Cordoba last year, where he started 32 games, Carlos has mostly rode the bench and now it's his chance to shine. He is also Rayo's only healthy goalkeeper as would be second choice keeper Cubeno is also out with an injury.
Rayo have lost their starting goalie and now will rely on Juan Carlos to help keep the defense in tact. Look for Rayo to add depth at goalie during the winter transfer window.