Madrid, Dec 30 (NationPress) Elche defender Hector Fort has successfully undergone surgery for a dislocated left shoulder, as confirmed by the club. The 19-year-old, currently on loan from FC Barcelona, sustained the injury while netting the opening goal during Elche's impressive 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on December 21.

In a statement, Elche noted, "Hector Fort was treated by the medical team of FC Barcelona following the injury sustained in the match against Rayo Vallecano." However, the club did not specify the expected duration of his absence, mentioning that his recovery timeline would depend on the progression of the injury.

Fort, who joined Elche from Barcelona in the summer, has become a vital player for the team, with coach Eder Sarabia utilizing him as a wing-back or even as a wide midfielder in front of three central defenders, according to reports from Xinhua.

He has contributed one goal in La Liga and another in the Copa del Rey as Elche concludes 2025 holding a respectable ninth place in the La Liga rankings.

Currently, Elche CF sits ninth in the La Liga table, accumulating 22 points from 17 matches, which includes five victories, seven draws, and five losses throughout the 2025-26 season.

Barcelona leads the standings with 46 points from 18 matches, maintaining a four-point advantage over their rivals Real Madrid (42). The defending champions have achieved 15 wins, one draw, and two losses, while Real Madrid has secured 13 victories, along with three draws and two losses.

Atletico Madrid is in third place with 37 points, followed by Villarreal (35) and Espanyol (33), rounding out the top five.

Founded in 1923, Elche is based in the city of Elche, located in the Province of Alicante within the Valencian Community of Spain. The club emerged from a merger of all local teams and entered the league system in 1929, gradually making its way to the top division. In 1969, the club finished as runners-up in the Copa del Rey and has since spent a total of 25 seasons in La Liga.