Mallorca goalkeeper Ivan ‘Pichu’ Cuellar has been hospitalised after suffering a serious head injury in an accident at the club’s training ground, leaving the Spanish second-tier side with a sudden goalkeeping concern.
Mallorca confirmed that Cuellar, 42, was injured after a large decorative structure collapsed inside the dining area of the club’s Antonio Asensio training complex.
The veteran goalkeeper was taken to hospital for treatment and placed under observation for 24 hours as a precaution. The incident has immediately created an unwanted concern for Mallorca, particularly with the club in the middle of an important Segunda Division campaign.
Cuellar had been the club’s second-choice goalkeeper and had not featured in any of Mallorca’s opening seven league matches this season. However, his absence has significant implications for the squad’s depth.
Mallorca’s Goalkeeper Crisis
Cuellar’s injury leaves Mallorca with just one senior goalkeeper available for their upcoming league fixture against Girona.
Arnau Tenas is currently the remaining senior option, while Lucas Bergstrom is away on international duty with Finland.
That situation leaves manager Arrasate facing a particularly delicate selection problem as Mallorca prepare for their next match.
The timing is also significant given Mallorca’s position in the Segunda Division. The club have made a strong start to life back in Spain’s second tier, winning four of their first seven matches and sitting sixth in the standings, five points behind leaders Eibar.
Mallorca were relegated from La Liga last season after five consecutive years in Spain’s top flight.
Their immediate objective is therefore to establish themselves among the contenders for a return to the division, making squad depth increasingly important as the campaign progresses.
Cuellar’s injury has consequently transformed what had been a relatively straightforward position into an area of concern, at least in the short term.
Cuellar’s Long Journey Through Spanish Football
The accident comes during the later stages of a remarkably long professional career for Cuellar.The veteran goalkeeper has made more than 400 senior appearances during a career spanning approximately 24 years.
His journey began through the academies of both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid before he progressed into senior football.Cuellar subsequently spent time with Atletico Madrid, Sporting Gijon and Leganes, making 205 appearances in La Liga across those spells.
He also represented Spain at youth level.His career has been defined by longevity and experience, particularly in Spanish football, where he has spent the majority of his professional life.
Cuellar joined Mallorca from Sporting Gijon in 2023 and has since made three appearances for the club across all competitions.
Although his role had largely been that of an experienced second-choice goalkeeper, his latest injury has suddenly placed greater attention on the importance of his presence within the squad.
For now, Mallorca’s priority is Cuellar’s recovery following the training-ground accident, while the club must simultaneously find a solution to their depleted goalkeeping options ahead of their next league fixture.
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