ANGELICA CASTRO and CRISTIAN DE LA FUENTE

The Chilean hunk tore a muscle in his bicep during a samba on the reality TV contest several weeks ago and has been forced to wear a brace on his arm for the subsequent dance-offs.

The 34-year-old checked himself into hospital on Friday (23May08) for the operation to rebuild his arm and is now recuperating at his Los Angeles home. Doctors now expect him to make a full recovery.

Surgeon Dr. Neal S. Elattrache tells People.com, "I was able to get a perfect repair of the bicep. Cristian will spend about a week in a splint, then start rehab. He will have a full recovery and full strength back."

De La Fuente has thanked fans for their support in a statement. It reads: "Thank you to everyone for their concern and well wishes."

Source: WENN