Malaga central defender Weligton is set to miss the remainder of the season after breaking a bone in his left foot.
The 30-year-old Brazilian suffered the injury during Malaga's game against Almeria on Sunday and was forced from the field.
Tests have confirmed the severity of the problem, leaving the player unable to move his foot for five weeks.
Weligton will now undergo a period of rehabilitation as he tries to recover from the setback.
The news will be a blow to Malaga manager Jose Ramon Lopez Muniz as the defender has been a regular in the team so far this term.
Fellow centre-backs Stepanov and Helder Rosario are also sidelined, leaving the coach with few options in that position.
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