Plácido Domingo was hospitalised yesterday in Madrid for a pulmonary embolism. The 72-year-old tenor was being treated successfully for the blood clot in his lung and is expected to make a full recovery. He has been forced to cancel several appearances during July, however, including his participation in five performances of Daniel Catán’s Il Postino at Teatro Real and a concert he was due to conduct in Madrid’s Plaza Square on July 21.

According to a statement on his website the embolism is the result of deep vein thrombosis: ‘Per his doctor's instructions, he will be forced to rest for three to four weeks. His exact return to his performing engagements remains subject to how fast he can heal and regain his characteristic strength.’

Domingo tweeted a message of thanks this morning to his supporters: ‘Eternally grateful and overwhelmed by the outpour[ing] of good wishes and sympathy from all of you. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.’

The tenor received treatment for a cancerous polyp on his colon in 2010, but returned to the stage after five weeks. He is due to appear at the Salzburg Festival and at the Verona opera house in August this year.