Atletico Madrid tops Espanyol 1-0, loses Tiago to injury

Tiago was carried from the Vicente Calderon pitch on a stretcher in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Espanyol when he injured his leg by kicking Marco Asensio in the back.

“The final medical report indicated that [he] suffered a non-displaced [fracture] in the middle of the right tibia”.

Barcelona have opened up a four point lead at the top of the La Liga thanks to a 4-0 El Clasico win over Real Madrid with Atletico jumping into second place.

Simeone insists the club are staying positive in light of the injury after sending the 34-year-old a goodwill message.

“We love him as a player and a person and, knowing him, starting tomorrow he’ll be counting the days until he can start playing again”, Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said.

France worldwide Antoine Griezmann netted the victor against Espanyol, having also scored a brace against Galatasaray in the Champions League midweek.

Simeone has a number of squad members who can play in Tiago’s position, including Koke, Saul Niguez and Thomas, but he said the injury made it more likely Atletico will look to strengthen during the January window. Only he can determine how far he goes.

“He is a great listener and puts ideas into practice, and he has a spectacular future ahead of him”.