Mandzukic Set for Surgery on Broken Nose

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that striker Mario Mario Mandzukic will undergo surgery on a broken nose sustained during Tuesday night’s Champions League loss at Olympiakos.

The 28-year-old Croatia international was left with a bloody nose after colliding with Patjim Kasami after just three minutes of kick-off.

Mandzukic completed the match and, even scored his third goal in his sixth game since joining from Bayern Munich in July, as the reigning Spanish La Liga champions lost 3-2 away in Greece.

Mario Mandzukic Broke His Nose During Atletico's 3=2 Loss at Olympiakos. Image: ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic Broke His Nose During Atletico’s 3=2 Loss at Olympiakos. Image: ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images

He is not expected to be available for Saturday’s league clash with Celta Vigo and could remain on the sidelines for as long as a fortnight, making him a doubt for his side’s second round Champions League match against Italian champions Juventus at the Vicente Calderon on October 1.