Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says his club might look to sign a new midfielder in January, with Tiago Mendes likely to be unavailable until March at least through injury.
Tiago, 34, broke a tibia bone tackling Espanyol's Marcos Asensio during Saturday's 1-0 La Liga win at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, and has subsequently undergone an operation including having a pin inserted to help with a recovery period which is likely to take about four months.
The loss of one of Atletico's key players means the club could now look to strengthen their midfield area when the transfer window opens next month, and the Colchoneros coach told a news conference that he was open to a new player coming in.
"Whenever the January window comes, we are open to any situation," Simeone said. "It will be no different now, with the absence of a player like Tiago."
Atletico's current options to fill the gap in deep midfield include homegrown youngsters Koke, Thomas and Saul Niguez, while club captain Gabi can also play in that position and €8 million Argentina international Matias Kranevitter's is due to arrive at Atletico from River Plate next month.
"It is clear that it is difficult to find another Tiago, at 34 he has experience that nobody has at 26 or 27," Simeone said.
"He was in great form, I am convinced he will return. We hope for that, and we need that. We will work with the kids we have in this position: Koke, Saul, Kranevitter... Gabi could also be there too. Thomas plays a more attacking role, not so much about possession. We will work on seeing what is the best."
Simeone was speaking ahead of Tuesday's Copa del Rey last-32 first leg game at third-tier Catalan side Reus.
"It is not just one game, there's two, but [Reus] will be motivated, happy to play, and that will make their play stronger," the Argentine coach said. "We are going there with humility, respect and planning to bring the game to a place that suits us."