Puado's rotten luck continues: Four minutes, then off injured
Espanyol captain Javi Puado suffers another knee setback just minutes after coming on as a substitute against Levante in frustrating 1-1 draw.
Just when he thought he was back, Javi Puado’s injury nightmare continues as the Espanyol skipper lasted only four minutes before being forced off in their 1-1 draw with Levante.
Four minutes of pain
Talk about your bad luck. After missing over two months with a knee sprain, Puado made his return as a late sub in the Barcelona derby last week. Today was meant to be another step in his recovery, coming on for Pere Milla in the 69th minute as manager Manolo González pushed for a winner.
But football can be a right cruel game sometimes. Just four minutes later, Puado collided with a Levante player and immediately grabbed his right knee - the same one that kept him sidelined for those two months. The medical team rushed on, and before you could say “Bob’s your uncle”, he was heading down the tunnel, replaced after just a brief cameo.
González remains cautiously optimistic
After the match, Espanyol boss González tried to ease concerns, suggesting: “It’s in an area he’s had trouble with before, but it doesn’t seem serious” - though he clarified that “not serious” still might mean some time on the sidelines, just not months.
Disappointing draw for the Pericos
As for the match itself, it was a bit of a damp squib for Espanyol. They were after a bit of history, looking to win four consecutive away matches for the first time ever. They seemed on course when Carlos Romero scored another absolute pearler to put them ahead, but Levante fought back to nick a point.
The draw leaves a bitter taste for the Blanquiazules, who’ll feel they could’ve nicked all three points. But the bigger concern now is their captain’s fitness - Espanyol fans will be keeping their mince pies on the medical reports coming out in the next few days.
With the team performing well in recent weeks, losing Puado again would be a proper kick in the teeth, especially if he’s facing another extended spell on the treatment table.