Tiago injury major setback for Atletico

Atletico Madrid's title hopes suffered a major setback on Sunday when it was confirmed that the Spanish football club's Portuguese international midfielder Tiago Cardoso will be out of action for at least four months after breaking his leg.

Tiago broke his right leg in the 27th minute of his side's 1-0 win at home to Espanyol on Saturday in La Liga action which saw him foul Marcos Asensio from behind, reports Xinhua.

He was carried off the pitch on a stretcher for tests which proved that he had suffered a serious injury and he will have to be operated upon.

It is a major setback for Atletico as they lose one of the few players in their squad capable of holding onto the ball in central midfield, providing creativity and balance.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone, however, was not certain whether or not he will sign a replacement in the January transfer window.

"I am not going to look that far ahead," he said, who also considered it "very early to say who will play in his position".