Real Madrid have been served a blow with defender Raphael Varane out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Varane was forced off with more than 15 minutes remaining in Madrid’s shock 2-1 defeat to Valencia in midweek after suffering a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old has finally usurped Pepe in the pecking order to partner Sergio Ramos at the heart of Madrid’s defence this season and has enjoyed a largely impressive campaign on the whole.
However, Madrid will now be unable to call on his services until the start of April, which means Varane will be sidelined for important Champions League matches, as well as five league games starting on Sunday away to Villarreal.
Losing Varane will mean Madrid will be without their main aerial threat. In fact, the Frenchman has won at least 11 more aerial duels than any other teammate in the league this season (45).
For more stats on Raphael Varane, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
