Nihat facing lengthy lay-off

Villarreal forward could be out for four months

By Lewis Rutledge.   Last Updated: July 6, 2008 9:52pm

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Nihat: Thigh surgery

Sky Bet

Villarreal forward Nihat Kahveci could be out for up to four months after undergoing a successful operation on his right thigh.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury to his thigh in Turkey's quarter-final victory over Croatia at Euro 2008.

Nihat played a key role in Turkey's run through to the last four and scored twice in the dramatic 3-2 win against Czech Republic in Group A.

He was unable to play a part in the semi-final as Turkey lost 3-2 to Germany.

Nihat may now miss Turkey's first four World Cup qualifiers, which begin in the autumn.

The news will come as a major blow to Villarreal as they prepare for the new Primera Liga season and a UEFA Champions League campaign.

If his recovery takes as long as expected he will not be fit to return until the start of November.