Atletico Madrid have been hit by the news forward Joao Felix is facing a three-week absence after suffering an ankle injury.
The 19-year-old Portugal international starlet was forced out of the final 10 minutes of the 1-1 La Liga draw against Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday.
And Atleti later released a statement to confirm that Felix has suffered a Grade II ankle sprain which is set to keep him on the sidelines for up to three weeks.
The teenager, who joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica in a club record transfer worth €12million during the summer, will now miss up to four matches for Diego Simeone’s side.
Felix will definitely miss the Champions League home clash against Bayer Leverkusen in the week, and La Liga games against Athletic Bilbao, Alaves and Sevilla.
The trip to Bayer Leverkusen on November 6 could be his possible return date or the league visit of Espanyol the following weekend.
The news of Felix’s absence will be a blow as he had already scored three goals for Los Rojiblancos this season.
Saul Niguez had recently suggested that he is already a key part of the side, but backed him to keep improving as the season progresses.
He said: “He’s adapting still and when he’s 100 per cent, you can demand more. Now he’s giving everything on the pitch, doing well for the team.”
Atleti’s draw with Valencia keeps them fifth in La Liga but just three points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
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