Villarreal defender Costa suffers knee injury

Villarreal have confirmed that central defender Logan Costa is set for a lengthy absence after sustaining a serious knee injury during a pre-season fixture.

In an official statement released by the La Liga club, Costa was diagnosed with a full rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee following medical examinations. The club revealed the injury was sustained in a friendly match against Swiss side FC Basel over the weekend.

“The medical tests undergone by Logan Costa confirm that the Villarreal defender has suffered a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee,” the club said. The injury will require surgery, and the 24-year-old is expected to be out of action for several months as he begins a long rehabilitation process.

The Cape Verde international had been preparing for a crucial season with the Yellow Submarine, who secured Champions League football for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign after finishing fifth in La Liga last season. His injury now leaves a gap in the team’s defensive lineup, and the coaching staff may be forced to explore options to strengthen the backline before the season kicks off.

Costa joined Villarreal with the hope of establishing himself as a regular starter, and his performances in training and friendly matches had reportedly impressed head coach Marcelino. His absence will not only be a blow to Villarreal’s squad depth but also to the player himself, who was looking to cement his place in the team and continue building his international profile with Cape Verde.

This setback also comes at a time when Villarreal are looking to make a deep run in Europe and improve their domestic form. With the fixture calendar expected to be packed due to Champions League commitments, injuries to key players like Costa will be a major concern for the club’s management.

Costa’s recovery timeline is currently unclear, but ACL injuries typically require a recovery period of six to nine months. Villarreal have expressed their full support for the defender during this difficult period and are expected to provide regular updates on his rehabilitation progress.

As the new season approaches, Villarreal’s focus will now shift toward managing squad fitness and possibly dipping into the transfer market to find a short-term replacement for the injured centre-back.