Real Sociedad midfielder David Silva faces a long spell on the sidelines after injuring his left knee during a training session. The club confirmed that the veteran playmaker has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and will be assessed by a specialist next week.
Silva sustained the injury while practising with his teammates at the Zubieta training ground. According to the club's statement, the MRI scans revealed an ACL injury, which usually requires surgery and several months of recovery. The club did not provide any details about the severity of the injury or the expected time frame for Silva's return.
“David Silva had to leave yesterday’s training session due to discomfort in his left knee. In the imaging tests performed, an anterior cruciate ligament injury was observed. At this moment it is pending to be evaluated by a specialist, something that will take place next week,” the club said in a statement.
The 37-year-old Silva has played for Sociedad for three seasons after his highly successful stint at Manchester City, where he helped the team win four Premier League titles among other trophies. He also helped Spain to win the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships before retiring from international football.
Silva is now in the twilight of his career but still has been instrumental in guiding La Real to Champions League qualification for the first time in almost a decade. At this age, it is unlikely Silva will come back to the field sometime soon with such a serious injury.
