Madrid - Spanish Liga club Osasuna has been badly hit by an outbreak of swine flu.

Three players of the Osasuna club - Ruper, Miguel Flano and Juanfran - are currently victims of the virus, and will miss Sunday's match against Valencia.

Osasuna's problems with swine flu started in July, when Hungarian international Krisztian Vadocz returned from his summer holidays with the virus, and quickly passed it on to Oier Sanjurjo and Sergio Fernandez.

Despite the virus, Osasuna have made a solid start to the season and are currently 10th.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid said Wednesday that coach Quique Sanchez Flores - who has only been in the job for three weeks - has been laid low by swine flu, and will miss Saturday's game away to Deportivo Coruna.

Atletico are third from bottom and in a massive crisis.

The Spanish club worst hit so far by swine flu has been second-division outfit Betis.

Three weeks ago the Seville club, who were relegated from the top flight in May, had to postpone their match against Villarreal B because six players had been laid low by swine flu. (dpa)