Athletic Club Bilbao's Pablo Orbaiz will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing an operation on his troublesome right ankle.

The 29-year-old has been carrying the injury for much of the campaign but has still appeared in 23 league matches, helping the Basque club to eighth in the Primera División. The midfielder, who had also been suffering from a thigh strain in recent weeks, is expected to be sidelined for up to four months.