Knee blow lays Motta low

Club Atlético de Madrid midfielder Thiago Motta will be sidelined for up to four weeks after tearing cartilage in his left knee in training.

Operation needed
The Spanish team have confirmed that the 25-year-old will undergo surgery in Madrid on Tuesday to correct the problem, with Motta having suffered a similar injury to the same knee in November 2004. The Brazilian left FC Barcelona for Atlético this summer in a €1m transfer, and has made just one Primera División appearance since. Atlético's UEFA Cup first-round tie against losing Turkish Cup finalists Kayseri Erciyesspor kicks off on Thursday in Spain.