Costa Rica, Real keeper Navas faces surgery, out of Gold Cup

Published Jun. 18, 2015 8:46 a.m. ET

foxsports

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas may have to undergo surgery to repair a partial rupture of his Achilles tendon, according to Costa Rica coach Paulo Wanchope.

Navas aggravated a recurring tendon problem that has troubled him in recent months during last week's international friendly against Spain in Leon.

Tests done on the 28-year-old by the Costa Rica medical team have since revealed "a partial rupture of his Achilles tendon in his left foot as well as swelling around the heel."

That has ruled Navas, who played a key role in helping Costa Rica reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time last year, out of next month's CONCACAF Gold Cup - and could end up with him going under the knife.

"It's a fact that Keylor will not be able to play at the Gold Cup," Wanchope said to Costa Rica newspaper La Nacion. "He has two possibilities, to undergo surgery or to find an alternative treatment.

"It's an injury that has worsened.

"He was able to manage the problem but now it's more acute and his club doctors need to take a decision.

"It's a pity."

Navas is expected to travel to Spain this week to undergo further tests in Madrid.

The keeper joined Real last summer from Levante on a six-year deal but started has just six Primera Division games for the Spanish giants and is a reported target for Atletico Madrid.

Real have been heavily linked with Manchester United number one David de Gea as they seek a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas.