José Nunes out for six to eight months with ruptured cruciate ligament

Real Mallorca have been delivered a devastating blow ahead of the 2011/2012 La Liga campaign with the new that influential captain José Nunes has suffered a cruciate ligament tear in his left knee meaning he will be out for between six and eight months.

Nunes picked up the injury in the first minute of the Trofeu Ciutat de Palma against Napoli and was replaced at half time by Martí Crespí.

We first reported earlier in the week that Nunes was a doubt for the weekend’s game with Rayo Vallecano before that was extended to an expected eight week absence. But upon further examination by club doctor Tomeu Munar, the club discovered that Nunes has instead ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. In addition, the Portuguese defender has sprained lateral collateral ligament in his left knee.

The 34-year-old has thanked the support which has been shown to him by Mallorca fans following the injury.

The news has forced Sporting Director Llorenç Serra Ferrer into action once more as the club look to bring in an extra central defender before the close of the transfer window. They are also concerned about the possibility of Valencia paying the release clause of Iván Ramis after Porto beat Los Ché to the signing of Eliaquim Mangala. Valencia have been long term admirers of Ramis, and whilst a defensive of partnership of Ramis and Chico may be stable, losing Ramis would be catastrophic for Los Bermellones.