Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain is focused on returning to action "much stronger" after suffering a knee ligament injury.
The 22-year-old is likely to spend seven months on the treatment table after he suffered the problem during his side's 2-0 defeat to Sevilla last weekend.
On Instagram, Muniain wrote: "Unfortunately, the worst prognosis was confirmed. I will be several months without doing what I love, which is to play football.
"It's a big blow but I'm ready to combat this injury, recover well and return to the pitch much stronger than before. I don't forget that in life there are worse things than a knee injury.
"I'm sad for the injury but happy to see so many people giving me support. This will no doubt give me further strength. I want to thank all of the fans for all the messages of support."
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, who played alongside Muniain for three years at Bilbao, sent a message of support, stating that football will 'miss him' during his spell on the sidelines.
