Málaga confirm Julen Lobete suffered ACL and MCL injuries

Málaga forward Julen Lobete is set for surgery after suffering injuries to both the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The club confirmed the diagnosis on Friday following medical examinations carried out after Lobete was hurt during the closing stages of Thursday’s training session. Málaga described the incident as accidental and said tests subsequently identified damage to both the ACL and MCL. The 25-year-old will undergo surgery in the coming days. No official recovery timetable has been provided. The nature of the injury means Lobete now faces a significant rehabilitation period, but Málaga have stopped short of specifying how much of the 2026/27 campaign he is expected to miss. His absence adds another major fitness problem for Juanfran Funes’ squad early in the season. Málaga also confirmed on Friday that midfielder Aaron Ochoa will undergo surgery on a right-knee meniscus injury. The club had initially attempted conservative treatment, but an operation has now been scheduled for Monday in Madrid. There was more positive news regarding Adrián Niño, who began a gradual and partial return to group training during Friday’s session, while Álex Calero, Moussa Diarra and Murillo continued their respective rehabilitation programmes. For Lobete, however, the immediate focus will be on surgery before the club can establish a clearer recovery plan. The forward had remained part of Málaga’s first-team squad following the close of the summer transfer window and now faces an extended period away from competitive action after the double ligament injury. Further details on his rehabilitation and potential return are expected once the operation has been completed.