Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is among a number of players to have offered support to Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio following his gruesome leg injury.
Queremos mandarle mucho ánimo a @MateoMusacchio5 por su grave lesión. Un abrazo muy fuerte Mateo. #AnimoMateo pic.twitter.com/L7zSOaKpqY
- Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) April 12, 2015
The Argentina international fractured his fibula and dislocated his left ankle during his side's 1-1 draw at Getafe in the Primera Division on Sunday. The 24-year-old underwent successful surgery hours later in Madrid.
No recovery time has been set by the club but Musacchio is expected to be sidelined for at least six months, and he has been ruled out of this summer's Copa America.
Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia had said after the match: "It is a serious -- very serious -- injury. The match is secondary to this. I didn't think Mateo's injury was that serious, but when I approached the stretcher and saw blood I was frightened.
"The images are chilling. We hope the operation will go well and that we can all help him recover. What has happened to him is an authentic tragedy. It's a day for all of us to be sad."
Musacchio has since received widespread messages of support.
Cazorla, who played with Musacchio during his time at Villarreal, tweeted: "A lot of best wishes to my friend Mateo, I hope it's not too serious. Wishing you all the strength for the recovery."
Mucho animo a mi amigo @MateoMusacchio5 espero q sea lo menos grave posible crack un fuerte abrazo y mucha fuerza fenómeno
- Santi Cazorla (@19SCazorla) April 12, 2015
Villarreal's Argentinian striker Luciano Vietto also tweeted: "We share your pain and sadness. We will be supporting you all the way. A lot of strength Mateo!!!"
Compartimos tu dolor y tristeza,estaremos con vos acompañándote y apoyando en todo momento. Mucha fuerza Mate !! pic.twitter.com/arfdIoQ2wi
- luciano vietto (@lucianovietto36) April 12, 2015
The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) said in a statement: "All the strength in the world to Mateo. We will await your return to the pitch as soon as possible with the rest of your Villarreal teammates."
Musacchio, who joined Villarreal from River Plate in 2009, has been limited to just 12 La Liga starts this season because of injuries. The South American recovered from a torn hamstring back in January.
He joins Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano on the sidelines, who is out of action until May with a knee injury sustained earlier this year.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.