Giuseppe Rossi: 6 Months on the Shelf

To answer Ravi's question, it cannot get any worse for Villarreal.

The most serious fears have been confirmed: star striker Giuseppe Rossi will be out up to six months with a torn ACL in his right knee. First of all, our best wishes to Il Bambino. Get well soon.

In addition to the effects on the Italian national team, which will be preparing for Euro 2012, this is disastrous news for Villarreal. Already in the relegation zone, nearly out of Europe, with a manager under fire, and new signings and old stalwarts alike playing below par. Now add in injuries to our two best attackers (Rossi and Nilmar) and the continued absence of our starting right back (Ángel López). Brutal.

Time to muster up some courage, as Juan Carlos Garrido put it. But you cannot help but wonder if Rossi should have come off yesterday at halftime. 3-0 down at the Bernabéu, with a vital match on Saturday.

Many of us asked for that change in the game thread, but Garrido did not listen. Rossi was substituted in obvious discomfort in 60', replaced by Mario Gaspar. That was the penultimate step to reaching the 5-5-0.

In the short term, look for Joselu to get an extended opportunity with the A team. Hernán Pérez is also in line for additional playing time. And expect Villarreal to be active in the winter transfer market, even if just to reach 40 points and safety in La Liga.

As Rossi said before his injury, together we can escape this predicament. Now it's time for management, players, and supporters to prove him right. Ánimo Rossi and Endavant Villarreal!