SAO PAULO (AP) Palmeiras and Paraguay midfielder William Mendieta will likely miss the rest of the year after undergoing surgery on his left knee.
Palmeiras said an arthroscopy was needed to repair a damaged meniscus. Wednesday's procedure was successful, but Mendieta is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. He is not likely to return to the team until next year.
Mendieta signed a four-year contract with Palmeiras in June. He played 19 matches since then, scoring four goals.
Palmeiras has an eight-point lead atop the second-division standings and can secure its return to the top flight as early as next week.
Palmeiras has the most Brazilian titles.
