Motta Only Out For A Month

Thiago Motta will only be out for a month after picking up a knee injury in training that was predicted to be see him sidelined for the majority of the season.

Tests have now revealed that he has damaged the meniscus in his knee, but not seriously and he should only be out of action for a month.

Despite the knock not being as bad as first thought, Motta will be frustrated after being plagued by injuries in recent seasons.

Having joined Atlético de Madrid on loan for the season from FC Barcelona, the Brazilian midfielder was hoping for a fresh start in the Spanish capital.

Instead, he is back on the treatment table and will have to regain full fitness before being included in Javier Aguirre's squad again.

Motta has suffered a series of setbacks during the last three years at Barça and led the club to question his strength and physique.

After being told that he was not wanted at Camp Nou any more at the end of last term, Mottsa spent the summer looking to leave on a free transfer.

The Blaugrana insisted on garnering a fee for his services before eventually settling on a loan move with a view to permanent deal with Atlético.