Villarreal Football Club will be without the services of former Spain international Marcos Senna for around 10 weeks after it was confirmed that he has suffered ligament damage.

Senna was injured in his side's Copa del Rey match against Valencia just before Christmas and this Tuesday the Villarreal medical services have confirmed that he has torn a tendon linked to his hamstring.

The 33-year-old, who has been at the club for over eight years, came on as a half time substitute for his side in the game that ended in a 0-0 draw, but had to leave the action after just 20 minutes.

He travelled to Brazil for his holidays the day after the game and underwent a series of tests in his homeland, where the extent of the injury became clear.

Senna has made 15 league appearances for Villarreal, currently third in the La Liga, this season and although he has played less this season, due to the form of young midfielder Bruno, the club now has to decide whether or not to invest in a replacement.

Villarreal's next game sees them entertain struggling Almeria next Sunday.