Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin is to undergo an appendix operation today that is set to keep him sidelined for around a month.

That means the Uruguay centre-back, who was taken to hospital early this morning suffering from abdominal pain and a fever, is likely to miss the league games against Almeria, Real Madrid, Osasuna, Real Sociedad and Espanyol.

He will also sit out the UEFA Europa League encounter with Rosenborg and the second leg of the Copa del Rey last-32 tie against Universidad de Las Palmas.

The 24-year-old Godin, who joined Atletico from Villarreal this summer, has not only added strength to his new side's defence but also offers an extra option in attack from set-pieces. In two of Atletico`s last three games, Godin has scored the opening goal.