Atletico Madrid central defender Miranda hopes he can be back on the pitch as soon as possible after picking up a slight knock while representing Brazil on Tuesday.

The centre-back has been instrumental in helping Atletico to emerge as one of Spain’s best teams over the past two seasons after striking up a solid relationship with partner in crime Diego Godin.

The 30-year-old’s performances have seen him earn international recognition, previously when Luis Felipe Scolari was in charge, and more recently under new boss Dunga.

Miranda was given the nod to start for Brazil against Austria on Tuesday in the place of former captain Thiago Silva, who he believes must accept the new manager’s decision to strip him of the armband.

Miranda said: “In the national team, no one is guaranteed a place. The group has a whole have to [make an impression] to start playing.”

The Atleti man was forced off with a thigh problem with less than half an hour on the clock but he hopes that it will not be too long before he is playing again.

He added: “I felt a twinge in my left thigh, and I need to do tests to see what actually happened.

“I ask God for it to be nothing serious and I think I need two or three weeks of recuperation.”

Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone will likely turn to summer signing Jesus Gamez to fill in with big games to come against an in-form Malaga side in the league before they face Olympiakos in the Champions League.