Former Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno faces an extended spell on the sidelines after the Villarreal man confirmed he had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee.
Moreno, who joined the La Liga club after being part the Reds squad which won the Champions League in 2019, suffered the injury in Saturday's defeat against Osasuna.
"Medical tests carried out on Alberto Moreno have confirmed that he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee," said Villarreal in a statement on Monday.
"The Andalusian footballer picked up the injury in the last La Liga match against Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday. The player will be operated on in the coming days by Doctor Ramon Cugat.
"Get well soon Alberto!"
Villarreal boss Unai Emery spoke about the injury after the clash with Osasuna, which his side lost 1-0.
“As well as the result, what most affects us is Alberto’s injury," said Emery.
"The first reaction isn’t positive, but we are going to wait to see what the tests confirm. He’s an important player. He was playing well and was a threat for the opposition.”
After undergoing tests at the weekend, Moreno confirmed that he faces a long spell on the sidelines,
"Once the tests are done, the worst possible news is confirmed," said the Spanish international on Twitter.
"I have a torn cruciate ligament and will be off the pitch for a while. Now it's time to get up and get ahead with positivity and always with a smile. Thanks for the messages."
Among those sending messages were Moreno's former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and left-back rival Andy Robertson.
Replying on Instagram, Henderson wrote: "recover well mate," with Robertson adding: "speedy recovery my friend."
Moreno had spells in and out of the Liverpool team after joining the club from Sevilla in 2014, eventually making 141 appearances across his five seasons with the club.
Upon leaving the club in 2019, Moreno sent an emotional message to supporters.
"Life goes in cycles, and mine at my beloved Liverpool FC has drawn to an end," he said.
"Upon reaching this point, I would like to thank the entire Liverpool family; my dear teammates, with whom I have shared five marvellous years and who I will forever think of as family, and, of course, the owners, directors, coaching staff, doctors, physios, kitmen, and each and every person at the club.
Thank you for making me a better footballer and, above all, a better person; for helping me to fulfil one of my childhood dreams by winning the Champions League and, in doing so, become a small part of the history of this great club."
Moreno also found favour with Liverpool fans after mocking Manchester United when Villarreal beat them in the Europa League final last year.
