Blow for Girona as top scorer Vanat ruled out for rest of season

Spanish La Liga side Girona will be without top scorer Vladislav Vanat for the rest of the season after confirming the hamstring injury he suffered in Monday night's 1-0 home win over Villarreal.

The Ukraine international striker, who has scored nine goals this season, was forced off after just 12 minutes on Monday after suffering the injury during a sprint and was replaced by Abel Ruiz.

"Vladyslav Vanat has suffered a hamstring tendon injury in his left leg. Estimated recovery period: 10-12 weeks," the Girona website said on Wednesday after the striker underwent tests.

With the La Liga season due to end on the penultimate weekend of May, Vanat will not play again this campaign.

The striker's absence is a blow to Girona coach Michel Sanchez, whose side is currently 12th in La Liga with 37 points from 30 matches, eight points above Elche, which occupies the final relegation place.

The 24-year-old has adapted well to La Liga since joining from Dinamo Kiev, scoring nine goals in 1,962 minutes and establishing himself as an effective target man.

Girona visits Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday night.