Kike gracia

La Liga: Espanyol's preparations for the new La Liga season have suffered a major setback after veteran striker Kike Garcia was ruled out for the opening weeks of the campaign with a tendon injury that will require surgery.

The 36-year-old forward sustained the injury during Espanyol's preseason friendly against English Championship side Middlesbrough on Saturday. Garcia, who previously played for the English club, was forced off after just 18 minutes following an awkward challenge and immediately received treatment before being substituted.

Subsequent medical examinations carried out after the squad returned to Barcelona confirmed tendon damage in his right leg, dealing a significant blow to coach Manolo Gonzalez ahead of the new season.