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Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone eyes Tiago replacement

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone refuses to deny suggestions that he could dip into the January transfer market in order to replace his injured midfielder Tiago.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has revealed that he would be "open" to the idea of signing a replacement for the injured Tiago.

The 34-year-old is expected to miss the next three months of the season after fracturing his leg in Saturday's La Liga clash with Espanyol.

Simeone has talked up the players that he currently has at the capital club, but admits that he could be active in the January transfer window.

"Clearly it's difficult to find another Tiago because at 34 he has the ability and experience that a 26 or 27-year-old doesn't have. I'm convinced he will return before the end of the season because we're hopeful and we need him back," Simeone told reporters.

"We'll work with the lads available. There's Koke, Saul [Niguez] and [Matias] Kranevitter, who is coming, and also Gabi and Thomas [Partey]. I see more competition [in central midfield] than going forward. We'll see who does the best for the team.

"When the [January market] comes, we're always open to any scenario. This time is no exception, enhanced by Tiago's absence."

Tiago underwent an operation to repair the damage on Monday, but is not expected to be available for selection until at least March.

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3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
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11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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