Atlético lose Motta for the season

Club Atlético de Madrid midfielder Thiago Motta faces a further three months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a persistent knee problem in the United States.

Long-term problem
The 25-year-old Brazilian international first damaged the cartilage in his left knee in September, and was initially expected to be out of action for three months. He has since undergone two operations on the joint and returned to action in November but has failed to recover properly, making only three Primera División starts for Atlético as a result since joining from FC Barcelona last summer. He has now undergone another operation, performed by Dr Richard Steadman. Motta also featured in only two UEFA Cup games as Atlético were eliminated by Bolton Wanderers FC in the Round of 32 last week.