Madrid, Jan 31 (IANS) Spanish football club Atletico Madrid have suffered a serious setback after it was confirmed that international defender Felipe Luis will be out of action for around six weeks owing to a muscle tear.
The Brazil international had to be carried off the pitch during his side’s 2-1 win away to Athletic Club Bilbao Wednesday and was later seen abandoning the ground on crutches, reports Xinhua.
He has now undergone tests in Madrid which have confirmed the extent of the injury.
The six-week absence means that Felipe Luis will miss the semi-final tie which will see his side take on Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, as well as the last 16 clash in the Champions League where Atletico Madrid will play AC Milan.
He will also miss around five games in the BBVA Primera Liga and his absence is a severe blow to his side given that Felipe Luis has been first choice for coach Diego Simeone for the entire season in all three competitions.
The injury will, however, give a chance to his understudy, Emiliano Insua, who has so far made just three appearances this season.
The former Liverpool and Sporting Lisbon defender will almost certainly start when Atletico entertain Real Sociedad in the Vicente Calderon Stadium Sunday evening.
“You have to be ready for things such as this and I am relaxed about it. You always wait for the chance to play and that is why I came to the club, to play and to show that I am a good player,” said Insua, who joined Atletico from Sporting Lisbon a year ago.
“I hope I am able to play as well as possible, but I am carrying on with my work, continuing to be humble and I will do the best I can so that the team will not notice the chance,” he added.
Atletico are rumoured to be in the market for a big name signing before the transfer window closes at midnight Friday.
The side currently second in the league table have brought in Argentine midfielder, Jose Sosa, on a six month deal and are thought to be looking for a playmaker as they strengthen their bid for success in all three competitions this campaign.