Spain’s Koke suffers thigh injury ahead of World Cup

Koke had started physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions, Atletico said on Monday without providing a timeline for his return, but reports in Spanish media said he would be out for three weeks.

Atletico Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Koke picked up a thigh injury during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Atletico Madrid said Koke picked up a thigh injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao, leaving the Spain midfielder just weeks to recover before the World Cup in Qatar.

Koke had started physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions, Atletico said on Monday without providing a timeline for his return, but reports in Spanish media said he would be out for three weeks.

The 30-year-old, who has 67 caps, was substituted in the 81st minute of Atletico’s win.

Spain, which is in Group E at the World Cup with Germany, Costa Rica and Japan, has yet to announce its final squad for the tournament. It begins its group campaign on Nov. 23 against Costa Rica.