[BlackNess]

Leo Franco has played his last game for Atlético de Madrid this year after pulling a muscle in his leg during the victory over Real Betis on Sunday evening.

The Argentine goalkeeper pulled up after taking a goal-kick and had to be replaced by Christian Abbiati four minutes from the end of the two-goal win.

After an examination back in the Spanish capital, Leo Franco was told that he would be out for at least three or four weeks, ending his hopes of playing before the winter break.

“I have a strong strain in my quadriceps. I have had to take a few tests," he explained. "I felt it immediately and asked to come off."

Despite picking up the knock, the custodian was pleased to see los Colchoneros pick up all three points thanks to goals from Diego Forlán and Raúl García.

“The main thing was the team winning," he continued. "That was the goal that we set before the start of the match.

"We came away with the three points from a difficult stadium and against a team with quality players."

Atlético moved into fourth place after the win and Leo Franco was delighted that the side kept a clean sheet after letting ten goals in their previous four games.

“The team was good at the back, good positionally, serious and focused, and that’s why we were pleased," he said.

“It’s good to be in the Champions League places, but the important thing is where you are at the end. The difficult thing now is to remain at the top.

"Some weeks we’ll be up there and others we might fall out; there are very strong teams such as Barcelona and Espanyol, but we’ll fight to be up at the top."