MADRID, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Deportivo Alaves on Friday confirmed that midfielder Mikel Rodriguez is set to miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Rodriguez, who joined Alaves from Real Sociedad in the summer, suffered the injury during Thursday's training session.
"The player will have surgical treatment in the coming days and the evolution of the injury will determine when he recovers," the club said, noting that torn knee ligaments typically require at least nine months to heal.
The 24-year-old has impressed since arriving in Vitoria, earning a starting place under coach Quique Sanchez Flores and scoring his first goal in the team's 3-0 season-opening win over Getafe.
Alaves will promote B-team player Izei Hernandez to the first team for Sunday's La Liga match at home to Osasuna. Sporting director Sergio Fernandez said the club will explore limited options on the market but can only sign free agents outside the transfer window. ■
