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Villarreal reel from double blow

Monday, August 21, 2006

Members

Villarreal CF have suffered a second injury setback after winger Robert Pirès joined central defender Gonzalo Rodríguez in being ruled out until 2007.

Villarreal CF have suffered a double injury setback after summer signing Robert Pirès joined central defender Gonzalo Rodríguez in being ruled out until 2007 with knee ligament damage.

'Terrible blow'
Former Arsenal FC winger Pirès, 32, will be sidelined for six months after rupturing the cruciate ligament in his left knee during Friday's friendly against Cádiz CF. The ex-French international learnt his fate on Monday, leaving the Spanish club's president Fernando Roig to say: "It is a terrible blow for us all to take. There are only a few days left before the start of the season and all our plans have been ruined."

Madrid misery
The Pirès news followed the earlier confirmation that Argentinian international Rodríguez tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday's 1-0 win against Real Madrid CF, also in Cadiz. With the 22-year-old facing a seven-month absence, Roig admitted: "We may be forced to bring in another centre-back. It is difficult to think we will not have him for the next seven months."

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