MADRID, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Bilbao received a major setback on the eve of its Champions League return after 11 years, with confirmation that midfielder Benat Prados has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The club announced on Monday evening that Prados sustained the injury to his left knee in training last week, adding that "in the coming days we will decide the date for surgery." The 24-year-old will miss the rest of the season.

A product of Athletic's youth academy, Prados made 45 appearances last season and 33 the previous campaign after returning from a loan at second-division side Mirandes.

Prados was considered third choice in central midfield under coach Ernesto Valverde, behind Mikel Jauregizar and the injury-prone veteran Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta. His absence means he would have been expected to play an important role in a campaign that includes the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Valverde will now turn to another veteran, Mikel Vesga, along with B-team product Alejandro Rego to cover for the midfielder's loss. ■