MADRID, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Deportivo Alaves' defensive record has suffered a blow with the news that central defender Jon Pacheco will be sidelined after tearing a ligament in his left shoulder in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano.
Pacheco has been vital to the club from the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in recent weeks, helping Alaves keep the best defensive record in La Liga, with just nine goals conceded in the first 10 matches of the season.
The 24-year-old arrived on loan from Real Sociedad at the start of the season, with the aim of getting game time and after needing time to establish himself in the club, he has been a key part of the Alaves defense.
Until he was forced out of Sunday's game after injuring his shoulder, Pacheco had played 404 minutes in Alaves' last five matches in which they conceded just two goal, with Rayo's late winner coming after he had left the pitch.
"Medical tests carried out yesterday (Monday) have confirmed that the player has suffered torn ligaments in his left shoulder," informs the Alaves website, adding he won't have an operation, but will follow a "conservative treatment, with his recovery plan depending on how the injury evolves."
Real Sociedad has also posted a message on social media wishing Pacheco a swift recovery, but he is unlikely to play again before the end of the year. ■
