Four months out for Darko

Real Sociedad striker Darko Kovacevic needs an operation to correct his Achilles problem and is facing four months on the sidelines.

The Serbo-Montenegrin hit-man, who turns 32 on Friday, has been troubled by the injury for the last few weeks and was hoping to play through the pain.

However, Sociedad physio Eduardo Escobar has now advised Kovacevic that the complaint requires surgery, which means an extended spell out of action.

"We have decided, after consultation, that Darko needs to be operated on," stated Escobar.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man will go under the knife on Friday and admitted the injury had been causing him great discomfort.

"During the last few weeks, I have suffered very strong pain in the leg," he declared.

"The best solution for me is undoubtedly surgery."

Kovacevic could regain fitness in three months if his Achilles tendon has not been damaged, but that will only be known once he has undergone the surgery.

The news is a massive blow for Sociedad as Kovacevic has enjoyed a decent start to the new season, notching four goals in nine games, and forms a fine partnership with Turk Nihat Kahveci.