Malaga winger Joaquin Sanchez is set to be sidelined for around four weeks due to a torn right thigh muscle, the La Liga club have announced.

GettyImagesJoaquin pictured in action against Real Madrid in October

Joaquin complained of pain on Friday morning after playing in Thurday's Champions for Africa benefit match and, after undergoing tests, it was confirmed the former Spain international would be absent for at least the next month.

The 30-year-old, who joined big-spending Malaga from Valencia in the summer, is now set to miss the two Copa del Rey last-16 matches against Real Madrid.

Joaquin will also missthe league games against Atletico Madrid, Sporting Gijon, Barcelona and Sevilla.