Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak requires shoulder surgery and will be out of action for up to four months.
Oblak has become one of the best goalies in Spain since his move in 2014, being named as the best goalkeeper in La Liga for the 2015-16 season while also being included in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season in the same year.
However, Oblak will now be set for a lengthy spell on the touchlines after it was revealed he need surgery.
Massive news at Atlético according to @RuizAntonito: Jan Oblak will have shoulder surgery and be out for between 3-4 months. #LaLiga
According to journalist Antonio Ruiz, Oblak needs shoulder surgery following a knock picked up in Atletico's 3-0 defeat against Villarreal.
"Jan Oblak suffers a dislocated left shoulder. The Slovenian has been transferred to a hospital to undergo a radiological study. The red and white goalkeeper had to be replaced by Miguel �ngel Moyá in the 40th minute of the match," the club revealed in astatementon Monday.
The news is a massive blow for Atletico, who have been out of sorts so far this season. The club are currently sixth in La Liga, 12 points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
The club also lost midfielder Tiago during Monday's matchdue to discomfort in his knee, and defender Jose Gimenez is also set for a lengthy absence after limping out of a training session.
The Uruguay international had to leave training with a sore left ankle, according toMarca, with Gimenez limping andbeing helped by physicians at aclinic.Atletico will be hoping to arrest their recent slump in form when they take on Las Palmas on Saturday.