Photo credit: AFP.

Real Sociedad playmaker Sergio Canales suffered a suspected third cruciate ligament tear of his career as the Basques lost 3-1 to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old went down clutching his left knee under no pressure late in the first half, having already had two operations on his right knee after suffering cruciate ligament damage when at Valencia.

“Medical tests carried out are compatible with a torn anterior cruciate ligament,” Sociedad posted on their official Twitter account.

“He has responded twice before and I am convinced that he is going to fight to return to enjoying football, which is what he loves,” added Sociedad coach Eusebio Sacristan.