Villarreal have confirmed that Sergio Asenjo's season is over after the Spanish goalkeeper ruptured his left anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Asenjo came off in the 34th minute of his team's 3-2 home defeat to Real Madrid shortly after making a save from French forward Karim Benzema's powerful header.
It is the fourth ACL injury of his career. A club statement said: "Tests done to Sergio Asenjo have confirmed that the goalkeeper has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
"Villarreal wishes to give its total support to the player and wishes him a speedy and successful recovery."
Asenjo had started in 29 games in all competitions for Villarreal and will have to undergo surgery.
In 2015, Asenjo had been sidelined for seven months after suffering a third ACL rupture on right knee.
"Unfortunately, it's terrible news," Villarreal coach Fran Escriba said of Asenjo's latest setback.
#CVFEnglish | It has been confirmed that @SergioAsenjo1 tore the ACL in his left knee in last night's match. Get well soon Sergio ��! pic.twitter.com/DOxrKpAhQI
- Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) February 27, 2017
A former Villarreal player, Santi Cazorla, was among the first to send his well wishes to the goalkeeper.
The Arsenal midfielder, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since Oct. 19 and is unlikely to play again this season, tweeted: " Sergio Asenjo, how unfair is this sport with certain people. All my support at this difficult time, you are an example of perseverance."
Que injusto es este deporte con algunas personas @SergioAsenjo1. Todo mi apoyo en estos momentos complicados,ejemplo d superación.Un abrazo
- Santi Cazorla (@19SCazorla) February 26, 2017
Villarreal forward Roberto Soldado knows what Asenjo is going through with the former Tottenham player having recently returned to playing six months after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus in his right knee.
Luchamos frente a todo y contra todo. Cabeza muy alta. Ojalá podamos volver a contar contigo pronto @SergioAsenjo1 . #Endavant @VillarrealCF pic.twitter.com/ejjvQxpJ46
- Roberto Soldado (@R9Soldado) February 26, 2017
Soldado tweeted: "We battle against everything. Head up. I hope we have you back with us soon Sergio."
Andres Fernandez is expected to replace Asenjo in goal when Villarreal take on bottom-side Osasuna in Pamplona on Wednesday.