MADRID, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese striker Wu Lei is likely to find himself in the starting 11 for Espanyol's next Liga Santander game after the confirmation that the club's Argentinean winger, Pablo Piatti will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury.

Piatti broke the cruciate ligament in the 34th minute of Espanyol's vital Liga Santander game at home to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday and was replaced in the game by Wi Lei, who made his second appearance for his new club after moving to Spain at the end of January.

Espanyol confirmed on Sunday that Piatti will need an operation and will not play again this season, while the player thanking those who had sent him goodwill messages and insisting "I am going to win this game."

Wu Lei made an impressive debut in front of his new fans in the Cornella El Prat, building on the good impression he made during the 12 minutes he played in Espanyol's 2-2 draw away to Villarreal last weekend.

With just over 15 minutes remaining and with Espanyol 1-0 behind against a direct rival in the battle against relegation, Wu Lei forced a penalty, which allowed Borja Iglesias to equalize before Sergi Darder's 95th volley gave his side 3 vital points.

Espanyol's next game is a difficult trip to play away to Valencia on February 17th.