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Villarreal have announced that Coquelin is set to undergo a surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament that ruptured during the game against Barcelona, and he is set to miss the rest of the season.
Villarreal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Barcelona that condemned them to 8th place in LaLiga; however, other than the loss to the league leaders, Villarreal would also mourn the injury to Francis Coquelin that rules him out for the rest of the season.
Coquelin ruled out for the season
On Sunday night, Villarreal hosted league leaders Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica as they attempted to become only the second team to beat the Blaugranas in LaLiga this season.
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Although Villarreal did give Xavi Hernandez's men a bloody nose, that was all it was: a mere inconvenience, as a Pedri strike in the 18th minute of the game meant Barcelona picked up their 18th win of the season and their 16th clean sheet.
In the 36th minute of the game, Francis Coquelin picked up an injury that, on the surface, looked bad, as he was seen crying as he was stretched off the field. Tests have now been carried out today, and it was discovered that the 31-year-old midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the club confirmed that he would miss the rest of the season.
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Vilarreal's statement
The club's statement reads: “Following medical tests carried out last night at IMED Valencia Hospital, it has been confirmed that Villarreal’s Francis Coquelin suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the match against FC Barcelona, corresponding to matchday 21 of LaLiga Santander."
“The French midfielder will undergo surgery in the coming days and will, unfortunately, miss the remainder of the current season. Further details of the operation will be released by the club in the near future.
“In these difficult times for the player, Villarreal wishes him all the best and all the strength after the confirmation of the serious injury.
“We are with you, Coque!”
Villarreal will have to do without Coquelin as they try to qualify for European football next season. Quique Setien's men are also still competing in the conference league as they try to win their second European trophy in only three years.
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