Real Betis defender Damien Perquis has undergone surgery on a double fracture of his jaw.
The 29-year-old suffered the injury in the second period of Betis's 3-2 defeat to Malaga on Sunday after colliding with opponent Fabrice Olinga when challenging for a loose ball.
Doctor Fernando Manso has revealed that the operation was successful, but Perquis faces an extended recovery time.
"We are happy because it has reduced the double fracture," Manso told reporters at a press conference.
"For the bone to harden he must have his mouth closed for a month-and-a-half, perhaps a little sooner he can return to sporting activity, but we have to assess him. He will be fed with everything broken up. In a month-and-a-half things will be resolved."
It has been suggested that the centre-back could lose as much as four kilograms during the recovery process.
