Lisbon, May 27 (IANS) Benfica’s Argentine winger Eduardo “Toto” Salvio has suffered another torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee which may force him to undergo a surgery, putting him on the sidelines for an unknown stretch of time.
The injury, which forced Salvio to leave the field during Saturday’s Primeira Liga game against Maritimo, was confirmed by Benfica on Tuesday, reports EFe.
The club said that the injury would keep Salvio out of the League Cup final against Maritimo on May 29. The player could not even attend the team reception organised by the city of Lisbon to celebrate winning the league title.
Portuguese media reported on Tuesday that the physical problems of the Argentine player, 24, have hindered a potential multi-million dollar deal in the summer, after month of speculation thereto.
Salvio suffered a serious ACL injury in the same knee in mid-2013, forcing him to spend six months without stepping foot on the field.
The winger was signed by Benfica in the 2012-2013 season for 13 million euros ($14.2 million) from Atletico Madrid, in one of the most expensive deals in the club’s history.
In the 2014-2015 season, the player established himself as a key player with the Benfica squad, with 38 caps in which he scored 13 goals.