Guti facing three weeks out

Guti will be out of action for at least three weeks after suffering a groin injury.

The creative midfielder limped out of the action after 21 minutes following a stiff challenge from Jeremy Toulalan and tests have now revealed that he has a slight tear in his abductor.

However, having been sent off in the league game against Racing Santander last Saturday, Guti was due to miss the trip to Valencia and the game against Athletic the weekend after through suspension anyway.

With Madrid short of creative midfielders the absence of the 30-year-old, who has just signed a new contract that runs until 2010, will cause coach Fabio Capello to reshuffle his side.

The Spanish league breaks for Christmas on December 20, leaving Guti battling against time to play again before the New Year.