MADRID (AP) β Real Madrid defender Γder Milito will need surgery after damaging his left knee in the team’s first game of the Spanish league, the club said on Sunday.
Milito has been diagnosed with a damaged anterior cruciate ligament and will need surgery in the following days, according to Madrid. The club did not say how long the defender will be out, but such injuries typically need several months of recovery.
On Saturday, the 25-year-old Brazilian defender was injured early in the second half of Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. When his left knee looked to twist awkwardly, he collapsed in pain and had to be taken off the field by two team physicians.
Thibaut Courtois, Madrid’s starting goalkeeper, suffered a knee ligament injury last week. Arda GΓΌler, a newly signed midfielder, will also be out for some time β possibly many weeks β due to a knee ailment that would likely necessitate surgery.
