Villarreal lose Nilmar to knee surgery

Villarreal will be without Nilmar for up to seven weeks following surgery on his right knee.

The injury means Nilmar will miss both legs of the Spanish side’s Champions League Group A clash against Manchester City.

After missing Villarreal’s hard fought 2-2 draw against Real Zaragoza, the 27-year-old Brazilian international had a cyst removed in his right knee and will need almost two months to recover.

Nilmar will be forced to sit out Primera Division matches against Getafe and Real Madrid among others, and will also be sidelined for the Champions League Group A clash against Manchester City on October 18.

Villarreal will be relying solely on former Manchester United striker, Giusepppe Rossi, to lead the line against City in the Champions League, having already lost striker Marco Ruben with a broken toe on his right foot.

With no cover upfront, rumours are swirling that Villarreal might need to sign a fourth striker such as Carlos Vela.

After leading Villareal to a fourth-placed finish and the semifinals of the Europa League last season, Juan Carlos Garrido’s side have made a disappointing start to the season both in Europe and in Spain.

Villarreal are bottom in Group A after losses to Bayern Munich at home and Napoli away, and are placed 12th in La Liga after picking up just six points from as many matches.

With Nilmar and Rossi slow out of the blocks this season, Villarreal have only managed one win this season in the Primera Liga when they beat Mallorca 2-0 at home.

Nilmar has made eight appearances in all competitions so far this campaign but has scored only twice.