The Portuguese footballer, Alan Varela, has been ruled out indefinitely by the team he plays for FC Porto after undergoing knee surgery in his left knee. The injury is expected to take him out of action for four to five weeks.
Varela was injured on Wednesday during a match against Benfica, and it's not yet clear when he will be able to return to training or play for the club. His absence could have significant implications for FC Porto's performance this season, as they look to build on their impressive start to the campaign.
The injury comes just days before the start of the domestic league season, which starts next month. Varela had already missed two games due to a calf injury last month,Saudi Pro League Focus so this latest setback adds to his injury list.
FC Porto is one of the top clubs in Europe, but they struggled under former manager Marcelino, who led them to only three wins in 19 matches this season. They also need to contend with a strong challenge from rivals Benfica, who have won six straight titles since winning the UEFA Cup in 2016.
It remains to be seen how long Varela will be out, but his absence could cause some problems for FC Porto. They will need to make quick decisions regarding their plans for the upcoming season, including whether to bring in new players or retain their current squad.