Madrid, April 24: Atletico Madrid defender Juan Francisco “Juanfran” Torres has suffered a left thigh injury, the Spanish football club said in a statement, casting doubt on whether he will take the field against Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
The club confirmed on its official website that Torres sustained the injury during Atletico’s 0-0 La Liga draw against Real Betis on Sunday, reports Efe.
Although Atletico’s medical staff did not specify the recovery period or severity of the defender’s injury, this type of injury typically requires at least 10 days of rest, meaning Torres may be sidelined for both legs of the semifinals on April 26 and May 3, as well as the La Liga match against Alaves on April 29.
Torres has become one of Atletico’s key players, taking the field in five of the last six games.
He appeared in 27 of 52 Atletico matches this season, including 26 games as a starter, and made two assists. IANS