Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin is out for a month due to an appendix operation.

That means the Uruguay centre-back, who was taken to hospital early this morning suffering from abdominal pain and a fever, is likely to miss the league games against Almeria, Real Madrid, Osasuna, Real Sociedad and Espanyol.

He will also sit out the Europa League encounter with Rosenborg and the second leg of the Copa del Rey last-32 tie against Universidad de Las Palmas.

The 24-year-old Godin, who joined Atletico from Villarreal this summer, has not only added strength to his new side's defence but also offers an extra option in attack from set-pieces. In two of Atletico's last three games, Godin has scored the opening goal.