Villarreal's Alfonso Pedraza faces extended absence after surgery

The club have confirmed that the 27-year-old left-back underwent exploratory arthroscopy on his right ankle, performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Niek Van Dijk.

Pedraza has been sidelined for nearly 10 months, with a brief return to action at the end of last season, where he played five matches before being forced off again.

Despite trying several medical treatments throughout this season, none have resolved the problem, prompting the decision for surgery.

The Spanish international, who made his senior debut with the national team last year, is now expected to be out for at least another three months, with the club hoping for a potential return in January.

However, Villarreal's manager, Marcelino Garcia, sounded more cautious, telling Movistar's "El Tercer Tiempo" programme that it would be "difficult for Pedraza to feature again this season."

This latest setback brings an extended period of frustration for Pedraza, whose promising career has been halted by ongoing injury woes.

The hope is that this surgery will finally bring an end to the long road to recovery for the talented full-back.

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