Nihat ruled out for four months

Nihat scored two goals in Euro 2008

Villarreal's Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci has undergone thigh surgery and will be out for up to four months.

Nihat, who scored two goals at Euro 2008, damaged a tendon in his right thigh during Turkey's quarter-final win over Croatia on 20 June.

The injury means the Spanish side, who have qualified for the group stages of the Champions League, will be without Nihat for the start of the season.

Turkey went on to lose 3-2 to Germany in the semi-finals in his absence.

Nihat, 28, scored twice late on in Turkey's remarkable 3-2 comeback win over the Czech Republic that saw them qualify from Group A.

Villarreal finished second in the Primera Liga last season to earn a place in the Champions League.