Atletico s injured Torres may miss Europa semis vs Arsenal

Madrid April 24 (IANS) Atletico Madrid defender Juan Francisco "Juanfran" Torres has suffered a left thigh injury the Spanish football club said in a statement casting doubt on whether he will take the field against Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.

The club confirmed on its official website that Torres sustained the injury during Atletico s 0-0 La Liga draw against Real Betis on Sunday reports Efe.

Although Atletico s medical staff did not specify the recovery period or severity of the defender s injury this type of injury typically requires at least 10 days of rest meaning Torres may be sidelined for both legs of the semifinals on April 26 and May 3 as well as the La Liga match against Alaves on April 29.

Torres has become one of Atletico s key players taking the field in five of the last six games.

He appeared in 27 of 52 Atletico matches this season including 26 games as a starter and made two assists.

--IANS
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