Real Madrid defender Pepe a doubt for El Clasico with hamstring injury
Monday 31 October 2016 13:11, UK
Real Madrid could be without defender Pepe for crunch La Liga matches against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona after he suffered a hamstring injury at the weekend.
Portugal's Euro 2016-winning centre-back was replaced just 24 minutes into Saturday's 4-1 win at Alaves and medical tests taken on Monday have revealed the extent of the problem.
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A Real statement read: "After tests carried out today on Pepe at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a grade two muscle injury in the femoral biceps of his left leg. His recovery will continue to be monitored."
Real have not said how long they expect Pepe to be sidelined for but reports in Spain suggest he could be absent for around four weeks.
That would rule the 33-year-old out of six games in La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey, including the derby showdown with Atletico on November 19.
It would also make him a major doubt for the first Clasico of the season against Barca, which takes place at the Nou Camp on December 3.
Real Madrid are currently top of the league with 24 points, two ahead of Barca.
