Madrid lose García to ligament tear

Real Madrid CF fear their Uruguayan midfielder Pablo García will be sidelined for at least six weeks after damaging ligaments in his left knee at the weekend.

Medical tests
The 28-year-old was substituted 23 minutes into Madrid's 2-0 victory at Athletic Club Bilbao on Saturday after being felled by home striker Ismael Urzaiz, and later left San Mamés on crutches. García, who had only recently recovered from a muscle injury, underwent extensive medical tests today which revealed a partial tear to the lateral ligament in the joint and Madrid said he is unlikely to return to action before the end of March. The South American will therefore miss much of the remainder of the UEFA Champions League, notably the forthcoming Round of 16 tie against Arsenal FC.