RCD Mallorca's first-choice goalkeeper Iván 'Pichu' Cuéllar suffered a serious head injury on Monday after a decorative structure collapsed in the dining room at the club's Ciutat Esportiva Antonio Asensio training ground, also known as Son Bibiloni. The 41-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment and will remain under observation for the next 24 hours.
The club released an official statement detailing the incident. "This morning, Iván 'Pichu' Cuéllar suffered a serious head injury after a large structure, which formed part of the decor in the dining room at the Ciutat Esportiva Antonio Asensio, collapsed," RCD Mallorca said. Medical staff confirmed the player is out of danger and recovering well, having ruled out further complications.
The accident, which occurred as the goalkeeper entered the dining area following morning training, leaves manager Luis García with a major selection headache. With Lucas Bergstrom away on international duty with Finland, the only available first-team goalkeeper is Arnau Tenas. To cover the positions in training, the club has called up academy keepers Toni Dols and Nil Torreguitart, who could even make the squad for the upcoming match.
This setback comes at a tricky point in the season. RCD Mallorca, sitting sixth in the Segunda División with 13 points, face Girona away at the Montilivi stadium this Sunday at 21.00. The hosts are fifth in the table, making the clash key in the battle for the upper positions.
Cuéllar's absence, having carried out his usual training duties without issue until the accident, forces a last-minute reshuffle. The goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet for 270 minutes across the team's last five league games, a sign of his recent form. However, the team heads into the fixture following a 1-0 defeat to Almería last time out, a result that halts their positive momentum. The club is hopeful for their veteran keeper's swift recovery as they prepare for a visit to a direct rival.
This story first appeared at beinsports.com
