Chile international midfielder Pablo Hernandez will be sidelined for at least six months because of a serious knee injury, according to his Argentine club Independiente.
Hernandez was forced off the pitch just before halftime in his team’s 2-1 home victory over Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.
Scans on Wednesday confirmed the 32-year-old’s worst fears and he is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days.
“It has been confirmed that Pablo Hernandez has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee that will require surgery,” the club said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the club also took to Twitter to give the information.
“Medical part – Pablo Hernández
After performing the corresponding studies, it was confirmed that he suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee. It will be operated surgically. Above, Tucu The Red people are with you! #FuerzaTucu,” read the tweet.
📌 Parte médico – Pablo Hernández
Tras realizarse los estudios correspondientes, se confirmó que sufrió la rotura del ligamento cruzado anterior de la rodilla izquierda. Será intervenido quirúrgicamente.
Arriba, Tucu ¡El pueblo Rojo está con vos!#FuerzaTucu pic.twitter.com/CbfUAQqIxJ
— C. A. Independiente (@Independiente) August 7, 2019
Hernandez joined Independiente last July after four years with top Spanish club Celta Vigo.
He has been capped 30 times for Chile and was a member of the Roja squad that finished fourth at this year’s Copa America in Brazil.
(With inputs from IANS)