On Monday's show, the Chilean soap star suffered a severe muscle cramp in his arm while performing the samba with partner Cheryl Burke.
With his arm in a brace, de la Fuente told host Tom Bergeron Tuesday that he had ruptured a tendon and will need to undergo surgery.
The good news, said de la Fuente: "I just talked to the doctor, and he said he can delay the surgery. If people vote for us, I would like to be here and not give up."
Asked if he's comfortable taking such a risk, de la Fuente replied, "Oh, yeah, of course!"
Burke told Usmagazine.com on Monday, "If he can't come back, then I will not continue. There is nothing I can do -- he is my second half."
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Dancing with the Stars' Cheryl Burke has been getting a lot of negative press about having put on weight since last season. Do you think the media is too harsh?