Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao picked up an injury during last Portugal’s match against Sweden and doctors have confirmed he suffered a muscle sinew tear, that could keep him sidelined for at least two weeks.
The 25-year-old had to be replaced in the 52th minute of the crucial qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup in which the Portuguese national team earned their ticket for Brazil.
With Marcelo also in the treatment room due to a contusion in his knee, Carlo Ancelotti faces a problem in the left-back for the third time this season, with his two main choices crocked.
Last time, against Real Sociedad, the Italian manager opted to line-up Alvaro Arbeloa at the left and Daniel Carvajal as right back.
Nacho Fernandez also has played in that position this season, against Villarreal in La Liga. However, Ancelotti has consistently shown his preference for starting more experienced players, so Arbeloa looks like the Italian’s most likely choice for Saturday’s game at Almeria.
Marcelo is expected to be recovered for next week so Real Madrid’s problems in the left-back should be solved by then.
