Mallorca goalkeeper Ivan 'Pichu' Cuellar faced a harrowing start to the week when a structural collapse at the club's training ground left the 42-year-old with a serious head injury. The incident occurred Monday at the Ciutat Esportiva Antonio Asensio, also known as Son Bibiloni, when part of the dining room decor gave way, striking the veteran keeper just hours before the squad's scheduled training session under manager Luis Garcia.
Following the accident, Cuellar was promptly transported to hospital for immediate medical attention. The club released an official statement confirming that 'a large structure, which formed part of the decor in the dining room at the Ciutat Esportiva collapsed,' resulting in the serious head injury. Medical professionals have kept him under observation to monitor his recovery, with the goalkeeper remaining hospitalized for at least 24 hours as a precautionary measure. Despite the severity of the incident, Mallorca reported positive news regarding Cuellar's condition, indicating he is recovering well with doctors ruling out further complications.
The timing of the incident has created complications for Garcia's squad preparations ahead of Sunday's Spanish second division clash against Girona. With Cuellar sidelined, the managerial staff faces a goalkeeper shortage. Lucas Bergstrom is currently unavailable due to international commitments with Finland, leaving Arnau Tenas as the sole first-team keeper available for immediate selection. This depleted goalkeeping contingency places added pressure on squad management as the team navigates both the recovery situation and upcoming competitive fixtures.
As Mallorca awaits further updates on Cuellar's recovery, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of unexpected hazards that can affect even established professional athletes. The club's medical team will continue monitoring the goalkeeper's condition throughout his hospital stay, with hopes he can return to action once cleared by doctors. The outcome of Sunday's match against Girona will proceed with the current available personnel while the focus remains on ensuring Cuellar's full recuperation from this frightening ordeal.