Antonio Cordón hit by Patrik Mercado blow as Marius Marin injury eases | OneFootball

Sevilla's transfer plans under Antonio Cordón have been jolted by contrasting medical updates, with Patrik Mercado facing a long lay-off and Marius Marin expected to miss only a short spell.

Matías Almeyda has departed and Luis García Plaza is expected to arrive soon, while the team sit three points above the drop. Despite the turmoil, Cordón continues to shape the summer.

Marin, the Romanian international pivot at Pisa, was a leading target on a free after his deal in Italy expires. He was injured against Cagliari on 15 March, but ABC de Sevilla reports tests show no serious damage and he should be sidelined for about one month. Cordón recently travelled to Italy to accelerate talks, and plans to bolster midfield remain intact.

The picture is far bleaker for Mercado, the Independiente del Valle playmaker, with a pre-agreement understood to be worth six million euros. He has sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus in his right knee, ruling him out for six to 12 months.

It is a major setback for Sevilla's planning. The youngster will miss the next World Cup, and a move to Europe this summer now seems almost impossible. Diario de Sevilla notes the agreement with Independiente del Valle was still contingent on the transfer being completed, so the club must decide whether to proceed or seek alternatives for that role early next season.

Source: La Colina De Nervion