Espanyol captain Puado out for season after tearing knee ligament

Espanyol captain Javi Puado is set to miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a torn knee ligament on Monday.

The 27-year-old winger missed three months with a knee sprain before returning in January, but was taken off hurt in Espanyol's 1-1 draw at Levante on Sunday, shortly after coming on as a substitute.

"Tests carried out on Javi Puado confirm that the player has suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee," said Espanyol in a statement, adding that he would have surgery on Thursday.

The Catalan club, often involved in the relegation battle, are fifth in La Liga, four points behind fourth-place Atletico Madrid.