Granero injury blow for La Real

Real Sociedad de Fútbol are likely to be without Esteban Granero for at least six months after the midfielder ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against FC Shakhtar Donetsk.

On loan at La Real from Queens Park Rangers FC, Granero sustained the injury – which includes a damaged meniscus – in the closing stages of Tuesday's 2-0 UEFA Champions League loss in San Sebastian.

Following tests at the Basque club's headquarters on Wednesday, it was revealed the former Real Madrid CF player would require surgery. Although no time frame was given for the 26-year-old's return, such injuries can take between six months and a year to heal fully.

The Txuri-urdin also announced that Gorka Elustondo suffered bruising to his right calf in training, while fellow midfielder Markel Bergara sat out the session with a foot problem.

Jagoba Arrasate's side will hope to get their Group A campaign back on track when they visit Bayer 04 Leverkusen on matchday two.