Juanfran has been diagnosed with a hamstring problem, adding to Atletico Madrid s injury issues.
Fellow full-back Filipe Luis fractured his fibula in Thursday s Europa League defeat of Lokomotiv Moscow and is expected to miss the World Cup.
While Juanfran s injury is less serious, it adds to Atletico s issues after the January departures of Yannick Carrasco, Nicolas Gaitan and Miguel Angel Moya reduced Diego Simeone s options.
Juanfran was taken off during half-time in our Europa League match against Lokomotiv Moscow due to some muscular discomfort, Atletico said in a statement.
He underwent medical exams in Madrid and was diagnosed with an injury to his left hamstring.
Medical exams can confirm has fractured his left fibula. Here’s to a speedy recovery!
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish)
Juanfran will miss Sunday s LaLiga trip to Villarreal and could be out of next month s Europa League quarter-final against Sporting CP, as well as a derby clash with rivals Real Madrid in the league.
The 33-year-old has started 10 LaLiga games this season, battling for selection at right-back with Sime Vrsaljko, while he last played for Spain in 2016.
Atletico are second in the LaLiga table, eight points behind leaders Barcelona but seven clear of third-placed Madrid.