Friday, October 3 2008 -- Spanish club Villarreal have been hit by the news that their star striker Nihat Kahveci shall be out of all footballing action for at least six weeks due to an injury to his right leg.

The Turkish international hitman, who was one of the best and most consistent players for Manuel Pellegrini's men last season, was injured against Sporting de Gijon last weekend and had to be substituited. A subsequent medical test has revealed that the former Real Sociedad striker shall be out of action for over a month with the doctor not ruling out a surgery yet.

"Given the complexity of the zone and the wound, if the recovery is not as desired then we wouldn't rule out other therapeutic alternatives," said Villarreal chief doctor Juan Albors, "Other alternatives could obviously include surgery but for now we are going to monitor his recovery."

Villarreal are one of the genuine contenders of the Spanish league title this season and are also involved in the UEFA Champions League this season, although they are not expected to win the coveted European trophy this season. The news that Nihat shall be out for at least six weeks must have rocked the Yellow Submarine although last season's La Liga runners-up do have depth and strenght in their squad to replace the striker for the next one and a half month or so.