Atletico Madrid have been dealt a significant setback with the news that defender Robin Le Normand has sustained a high-grade injury to the back of his left knee during the club’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday night.
The Spain international, 28, was forced off midway through the first half after a collision with an opposing player left him in visible discomfort. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that the injury resulted from a hyperextension of the knee joint.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Atletico detailed the extent of the damage:
“Further assessment confirmed a high-grade injury to the posterior capsule and the semimembranosus muscle, though the ligaments and meniscus remain unaffected.”
While the diagnosis offers some reassurance that there is no structural ligament or meniscus damage, Spanish media reports suggest that Le Normand could face up to a month on the sidelines.
Such a timeline would see the centre-back miss Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia on 15 November, as well as Atletico’s crucial Champions League clash with Inter Milan on 26 November.
Le Normand’s absence represents a major blow for both club and country. The defender has been a key figure in Diego Simeone’s back line, known for his composure under pressure and aerial dominance. His injury adds to Atletico’s defensive concerns as they navigate a congested schedule domestically and in Europe.
Atletico are expected to monitor his recovery closely, with hopes of a return before the year’s end should his rehabilitation progress smoothly.
