MADRID, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The debut of Spain international Alex Baena with Atletico Madrid will be delayed for at least another month after the club confirmed he has needed an operation for acute appendicitis.

The club confirmed the news on its official website, explaining that "Baena is feeling well and hoping to be released from hospital. When he is able to return to training with Atletico Madrid will depend on his recovery."

Baena has yet to play for Atletico after joining from Villarreal in a move worth around 40 million euros (46.5 million U.S. dollars) over the summer. He suffered an injury in pre-season which kept him from playing in the first three matches in La Liga.

It had looked as if Baena would recover in time to play in Atletico's home game against his former club, but it now seems certain he won't be available until early October at the earliest. ■