Surgery sidelines Capi

Real Betis Balompié midfield player Capi will be out of action for up to two months after undergoing a hip operation.

Hour-long surgery
The 25-year-old Spanish international was injured after coming on as a substitute in his side's 1-0 victory over Athletic Club Bilbao on 1 December, and following the hour-long surgery; he is expected to return home today.

Important matches
It is thought that Capi will need a period of around two months to recover before returning to training at the Manuel Luiz de Lopera stadium. If so, the Capas-born playmaker would miss Betis' Primera División matches against Real Valladolid, Deportivo Alavés, Real Racing Club Santander and Villarreal CF, as well as the Copa del Rey meeting with RC Recreativo de Huelva.

Major blow
The news will come as a major blow for Betis coach Victor Fernandez, who has seen Capi's form blossom this season. His return of four goals in 14 league appearances has been one of the key factors behind the club's title challenge - Betis went into the winter break in fifth place in the standings, nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad.

International recognition
Capi began his career with Betis B in 1996, before moving away for brief spells with Xerez Club Deportivo and Granada CF. A return to Seville followed in 2000 and he made his debut for the national side in Spain's 1-0 defeat by the Netherlands in March 2002.