Sevilla midfielder Hedwiges Maduro is set to be checked out by doctors for a potential heart defect.
The 27-year-old turned down a contract extension at Valencia to sign for Sevilla over the summer, and played 45 minutes of the club’s first pre-season fixture with Rotena.
However, he has not figured for Michel’s men in any of the three friendlies since, with Los Rojiblancos subsequently intensifying their search for another defensive midfielder to act as cover – hence last week’s arrival of Geoffrey Kondogbia from Lens, who had previously been overlooked in favour of Maduro.
It is a further blow to the Dutch international, who missed almost the whole of last season after rupturing ankle ligaments, and Sevilla have issued an official statement.
“This is a chance finding and the player is being submitted to new and comprehensive diagnostic tests to assess the extent of the problem and the therapeutic possibilities.
“While we don’t have all the facts available we will not be providing any further information just yet out of respect for confidentiality, but will hold a Press conference as soon as this information becomes available,” it read.
