Falcao's injury not as bad as originally feared

Radamel Falcao is tied for second in La Liga with 18 goals, behind Lionel Messi's 29.

Andres Kudacki/AP

Atletico Madrid says that striker Radamel Falcao's leg injury is not as bad as originally feared.

The club said on Monday that medical tests indicate Falcao has only pulled a thigh muscle in his left leg instead of tearing it.

Falcao hurt his leg during the second half of Sunday's win over Levante, asking to be substituted immediately after pulling up lame while sprinting.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone said after game that he expected the Colombia international to be out around three weeks.

Atletico is in second place in the Spanish league, eight points behind Barcelona.