The Real Mallorca goalkeeper Iván “Pichu” Cuéllar suffered a serious head injury when “a large structure” at the club’s training ground canteen collapsed on him.
The club said Cuéllar was taken to hospital on Monday after the incident at the Ciutat Esportiva Antonio Asensio – also known as Son Bibiloni – before the team’s scheduled training session.
Despite the alarm caused by the accident, Mallorca said the 42-year-old keeper was recovering well, as doctors monitored his condition and ruled out further complications.
“This morning, Ivan ‘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 collapsed,” the club said in a statement. “The player has been taken to hospital for treatment and will remain under observation for the next 24 hours.”
The Palma-based team, who are managed by former Espanyol forward Luis García, are preparing for Sunday’s Spanish second-division match at Girona. Both teams were relegated from La Liga last season, and sit level on 13 points after seven games this term.
Cuéllar’s injury leaves García short of backup options in goal, with Lucas Bergström currently on international duty with Finland. Arnau Tenas, Mallorca’s No 1 so far this season, is the only first-team keeper available – and his error led to the only goal in Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to Almería.
