Madrid - Espanyol midfielder Ivan de la Pena will be out of action for around a month with a torn muscle in his right calf, the struggling Spanish Liga side said Thursday.

The veteran playmaker sustained the injury in Sunday's 1-1 draw away to Betis, a result which leaves Espanyol third from bottom in La Liga.

The former Spain midfielder, now 32, has hardly played at all this season because of various muscle injuries.

Another top player out for around a month is Sevilla's Uruguayan striker Ernesto Chevanton, who is suffering from a twisted right knee - though probably without damage to either cartilage or ligaments. (dpa)