MADRID, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Club suffered a significant injury blow on Wednesday as Spain international Aymeric Laporte was diagnosed with a severe hamstring injury. The defender was forced off in the 33rd minute of Saturday's 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid after falling awkwardly.

The club issued a brief medical update on Wednesday morning noting he "underwent an MRI scan yesterday [Tuesday]."

"Following further tests... it has been confirmed that the player has suffered a severe muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg."

"The defender has begun his recovery process and is awaiting further tests," concludes the communique.

Athletic did not give a timeline, but the nature of the injury suggests an absence of around two months, ruling Laporte out of January's Spanish Supercup, Champions League games against Paris Saint Germain, Atalanta and Sporting Lisbon, and several La Liga fixtures.

The setback, combined with Yeray Alvarez's suspension until April for a doping violation linked to a hair-loss product, leaves coach Ernesto Valverde with only two senior central defenders, Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes -- and Paredes is suspended for Wednesday's game against PSG.

Since returning to the club in the summer after two seasons in Saudi Arabia, Laporte has been almost ever-present for Valverde, with his form earning a recent recall to the Spain squad for World Cup qualifying. ■