Valencia central defender Gabriel Paulista could miss the remainder of the 2019-20 season due to a serious looking ankle injury.
The Brazilian centre back was stretchered off in the 89th minute of Los Che’s 2-2 La Liga draw at home to rivals Atletico Madrid.
Manager Albert Celades confirmed in his post match interview that the former Arsenal man had gone straight from the Estadio Mestalla to hospital for further tests.
Celades declined to comment on how serious the injury was at this stage, however he indicated that the 29-year old could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
Valencia take on Atalanta in the Champions League in midweek, and Celades already has injury issues in defence.
Paulista is already suspended for the trip to Italy, as well as next weekend’s league clash with Real Sociedad.
But regular centre back partner Ezequiel Garay has already been ruled out until next season with a knee problem.
Celades will make a decision on defence over the weekend, with Mouctar Diakhaby set to partner Eliaquim Mangala against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
