Real Madrid will be without the services of central defender Pepe for at least two weeks after he suffered bruising to his ribs in the draw with Atletico de Madrid on Thursday evening.
Los Blancos drew 2-2- on the night, but exited the Copa del Rey after losing the two-legged affair 4-2 overall, leaving them to concentrate on La Liga and the Champions League.
But Pepe will be missing for the rest of January at least due to the injury. He only lasted half an hour against Atletico before being replaced by Raphael Varane after he came of worse on a 50/50 challenge with Raul Garcia.
The club released a statement on Friday confirming the injury after Pepe had been sent to hospital for tests.
“After tests conducted on our player Pepe by Real Madrid’s medical services at the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a rib contusion,” it read.
While the loss of Pepe will be a blow to Carlo Ancelotti and the team, it provides a perfect opportunity for Frenchman Varane to come in and make his mark. The youngster is keen to get regular first team football and his future at the club has been in some doubt, but now he’ll have the chance to impress.
