Local media say doctors at the Sanatorio Finochietto hospital estimated Sanchez’s recovery time between eight and 12 months due to the incident.

‘I lived a very tough moment on the pitch today,’ Marcelo said on social media. ‘With no intention I injured a fellow footballer. I want to wish you the best possible recovery, Luciano Sanchez.’

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Luciano Sanchez badly hurt his knee after Marcelo clattered him in a Copa Libertadores match

Sanchez, who plays for Argentinos Juniors, was stretched off in the round of 16 match Tuesday

Marcelo was sent off following the freak injury at Diego Maradona Stadium in Buenos Aires

The former Real Madrid left-back showed signs of emotional distress as he walked off the pitch

Argentinos Juniors thanked the Brazilian club and the footballer for their concern for Sánchez.

‘We are rivals, not enemies,’ the Argentinian club said.

Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz, who is also Brazil’s national team coach until the middle of next year, said in a press conference that Marcelo did not deserve to be sent off and called the incident ‘an unfortunate event.’

Gabriel Avalos opened the scoring with a volley for the hosts in the 14th minute of the first leg of the round-of-16 match.

After the game, Marcelo wished Sanchez ‘the best possible recovery’ in an Instagram post

Argentinos later saw its goalkeeper Alexis Martin Arias sent off in the 76th minute, and be replaced by substitute midfielder Luciano Heredia until the end of the match.

Fluminense took advantage of the opportunity and equalized with Samuel Xavier in the 87th minute from long range.

The teams will play again next Tuesday at the Maracana Stadium for a place in the quarterfinals.