Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago Mendes has suffered a fractured leg during his side's 1-0 win at home to Espanyol.
The injury occurred in an innocuous challenge between the former Portuguese international and Espanyol forward Marco Asensio, with the former having to be stretchered off the field.
The 34-year-old was taken to hospital after the incident and the club has revealed that tests show a fracture in his right leg.
The win moved Atletico to just four points behind first placed Barcelona in the La Liga table.
There is no timeframe set for the midfielder's return to action.