Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago Mendes facing three-month spell on sidelines

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has predicted that midfielder Tiago Mendes will spend the next three months on the sidelines after fracturing his leg.

The 34-year-old was left in serious pain when colliding with Marco Asensio during the first half of the 1-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday evening.

Initial scans revealed the full extent of the damage sustained by Tiago, but it was not known how long he faced out of action for the La Liga title challengers.

Cerezo expects the Portuguese to return to the Atleti fold prior to the end of the season, though, telling reporters: "In spite of the injury he's fine and keeping his spirits up. I think he'll be out for three months."

Atletico are now just four points behind current leaders Barcelona as a result of their narrow win.