River Plate 'greatly affected' by Quintero injury

BUENOS AIRES, March 20 (Xinhua) -- A serious knee injury suffered by Colombia and River Plate playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero has "greatly affected everyone" at the Argentinian club, according to teammate Lucas Pratto.

Quintero ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during River's 3-0 home victory over Independiente in the Superliga Argentina on Sunday.

The 26-year-old will undergo reconstructive surgery in the coming weeks and is not expected to return to action for at least six months.

"A serious injury like that has greatly affected everyone and we have to support him," said Pratto. "We know that all of us are always at risk of these types of injuries."

Quintero has been ruled out of the Copa America, to be played in Brazil from June 14 to July 7. The injury is also likely to cool interest in the midfielder from European clubs, with local media reports having linked him with Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool.

Reigning Copa Libertadores champions River Plate have won their past four matches and are currently fourth in the Superliga Argentina standings with two rounds remaining. Enditem