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Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis has been banned for three games for his tackle on Lionel Messi during the 2-1 defeat to Barcelona last weekend. The Brazil international was shown a straight red card for the challenge, which caught Messi on the knee just before half-time. Diego Godin was also sent off for Atletico after picking up two yellow cards. The official report from the Royal Spanish Football Association's competition committee said Felipe Luis had been given a three-game ban because of the "special seriousness of the action." The suspension means the former Chelsea player will miss Atletico's La Liga fixtures at home to Eibar on Feb. 6, away at Getafe on Feb. 14 and at home to Villarreal on Feb. 21. Atletico confirmed that they will appeal against the ban. Diego Simeone's Atletico are short of specialist cover at left-back, with Guilherme Siqueira having left on an 18-month loan deal for Valencia, meaning right-back Jesus Gamez or versatile defender Lucas Hernandez could deputise. Filipe Luis will, however, be available for Atletico's derbi visit to Real Madrid on Feb. 27. Messi received treatment after the challenge but was able to play the remainder of the game and has been named in Barca's squad for Wednesday's Copa del Rey semifinal first leg at home to Valencia.
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