Denilson's season on hold
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Article summary
Real Betis Balompié's Brazilian international Denilson will miss the start of the season after cartilage surgery.
Article body
Keyhole surgery
Denilson has been suffering from discomfort in his right knee and will undergo keyhole surgery to cut away the loose cartilage which is causing the problem. It will be the second time Denilson has undergone cartilage surgery following an earlier operation in March 2003.
Up to ten weeks
Denilson, who was not in Brazil's Copa América squad, is expected to be out for up to ten weeks, meaning his season will start in late September at the earliest. The problem was discovered during medical checks ahead of the start of pre-season training, which began in Antequera this week.
Ito loaned out
Meanwhile, Betis have confirmed that midfield player Antonio Álvarez 'Ito' will spend next season on loan at RCD Espanyol. The 29-year-old has spent the last six seasons at the Seville club.
