Atletico Madrid Announces Injury of Team Star

Atletico Madrid has received a significant setback ahead of their matches against Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the Champions League, as the club officially announced the absence of their Spanish full-back Cesar Azpilicueta due to injury.

Atletico Madrid revealed in an official statement this Thursday morning that Azpilicueta is suffering from a moderate grade muscle tear, after feeling pain at the end of the Valencia match. The player underwent medical examinations that confirmed the nature of the injury, and he will begin a rehabilitation and treatment program in the gym, without specifying an exact date for his return, as it depends on his response to treatment.

According to the Spanish newspaper "AS", Azpilicueta will miss the two matches against Real Madrid in the Champions League, with the first leg taking place next Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu, while the return leg will be played the following Wednesday at the Metropolitano.

The player will also be unable to participate in the match against Athletic Bilbao next Saturday, and Getafe the following week, with the possibility of returning to the pitch during the match against Barcelona in mid-March.