Real Madrid have been hit by the news that midfielder Fernando Gago has been ruled out for up to five weeks.
Gago adds to Jose's woes ahead of the start of the new season
Real Madrid have been hit by the news that midfielder Fernando Gago has been ruled out for up to five weeks.
The Argentine midfielder will now miss the start of the new Primera Liga campaign after suffering an internal ligament injury to his left knee.
The 24-year-old suffered the setback whilst playing for Los Blancos in Tuesday's 2-0 friendly victory at home to Uruguay's Penarol.
Manager Jose Mourinho called Gago's injury ''a setback for my plans ahead of the new season."
The former Chelsea boss is already without a number of players ahead of the season opener against Real Mallorca at the weekend.
Real are currently deprived of Brazil playmaker Kaka (knee), Pepe (leg muscle), Raul Albiol (sprained ankle), Ezequiel Garay (dislocated knee cap) and Mahamadou Diarra (muscle tear).
Mourinho has only one fit centre-back in Ricardo Carvalho ahead of the trip to the San Moix on Sunday evening.
The Madrid coach may be forced to use full-back Sergio Ramos in the middle of the backl ine, with midfielders Marcelo or Royston Drenthe now pushing for starting berths.
