Mallorca’s Cuéllar faces uncertain recovery after canteen collapse

Mallorca goalkeeper Iván Cuéllar, 42, suffered a serious head injury on Monday when a large decorative structure collapsed in the canteen at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva Antonio Asensio training ground, and was taken to hospital for observation for the next 24 hours.

Club confirms seriousness of injury

The club released a statement saying, “This morning, Ivan ’Pichu’ Cuéllar suffered a serious head injury after a large structure, which formed part of the decor in the dining room at the Ciutat Esportiva collapsed.” It added that the player has been taken to hospital for treatment and will remain under observation for the next 24 hours.

A photograph by Isabel Infantes for Reuters captures the moment the structure fell. View image in fullscreen to see the scene inside the training‑ground canteen.

Mallorca are managed by former Espanyol forward Luis García. The Palma‑based side are preparing for Sunday’s Spanish second‑division match at Girona.

Goalkeeping options dwindling ahead of Girona clash

Both Mallorca and Girona were relegated from La Liga last season and sit level on 13 points after seven games this term. The points tally places them mid‑table as the campaign progresses.

Cuéllar’s injury leaves García short of backup options in goal. Lucas Bergström is currently on international duty with Finland, while Arnau Tenas, the season’s No 1, is the only first‑team keeper available; his error led to the only goal in Sunday’s 1‑0 home defeat to Almería.

The accident occurred after training when Cuéllar entered the canteen, a routine part of the day, and a piece of the room’s decoration fell onto him. Medical staff attended him on site before he was transferred to hospital.

The 42‑year‑old will stay under observation for the next 24 hours, and the club said it will keep supporters updated on his condition as the situation develops.