Quique adds to Villarreal woe

Villarreal CF captain Quique Álvarez has had surgery on his right knee and will be out of action for at least a month.

Operation necessary
The 30-year-old defender had the operation in Barcelona yesterday afternoon, after medical advice ruled the problem could not be left untreated. Quique is on a growing injury list at Villarreal, including Diego Forlán, Juan Pablo Sorín, Josico and Alessio Tacchinardi who also have their own knee problems. Sebastián Viera is also out with a sprained shoulder while Juanma Peña and Javi Venta are still recovering from muscle problems.