Tiago sidelined with broken arm

Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a broken arm.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a broken arm.

The 31-year-old took a kick from Sevilla’s Gary Medel in the first half of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash on Wednesday and had to be replaced as a result, with the club confirming after the match that he had fractured his right forearm.

Following further tests by doctors in the Spanish capital, the club announced that the Portuguese player has had a plate fixed to the ulna bone in an effort to repair the damage, with his recovery period as yet unknown.

“(Medel) was going to clear the ball and I put my arm up to protect my face,” Tiago told the club’s official website.

“In the end, I felt something was wrong. I tried to keep playing but I could not continue. The bone was broken and it hurt to move my arm.

“I was feeling pretty good in the team. Injuries never come at a good time and now I have to recover well.”

Atletico claimed a 4-3 win over the Andalusians on aggregate following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw away from home, and will face Real Madrid in the final of the competition.