Monaco striker Radamel Falcao will miss "several weeks" with a left hmstring injury, his club confirmed on Friday, ruling him out of the start of the French season and the Champions League playoffs.

Falcao pulled up injured late in the first half of Monaco's 3-1 home win against Fenerbahce on Wednesday that saw them win the Champions League third qualifying round tie 4-3 on aggregate.

He had set up one goal and then scored a penalty at the Stade Louis II, having previously netted in the 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Turkey.

His absence means he is set to miss the crucial clash with Spain's Villarreal in which a group stage berth is at stake.

The first leg is scheduled to be played at El Madrigal on August 17 with the return in the principality six days later.

The Colombian, back at the club after two seasons on loan in England with Manchester United and then Chelsea, could also miss Monaco's opening two Ligue 1 games at home to Guingamp next Friday and away to Monaco.

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