OSASUNA - Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam will undergo surgery on his injured right knee in Germany on Thursday.

The Iran international damaged ligaments in his knee during a pre-season friendly against Villarreal earlier this month, and the initial diagnosis is that he will be sidelined for around six months.

The 26-year-old Nekounam, who joined Osasuna last summer, made 24 Primera Liga appearances for Osasuna during his first season and also helped the Pamplona-based side reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup.

Osasuna open their new campaign on Sunday at Athletic Bilbao.