Real Madrid defender Pepe is set to miss the La Liga clasg with Granada at the weekend due to a thigh injury.
The Portugal international picked up a knock in the Clasico two weeks ago and missed his national side’s Euro 2016 win over Serbia last weekend and their embarrassing home loss to the Cape Verde Islands during the week.
The 32-year-old returned to Los Blancos’ training base but has been unable to take part in sessions with the first team squad, and a statement on the club’s website confirmed the defender will miss the game this weekend.
It read: “Following the medical tests carried out on Pepe by the Real Madrid doctors in the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, he has been diagnosed with an injury in the vastus internus muscle in his right thigh. His progress will be monitored.”
French centre-back Raphael Varane is likely to continue to deputise in Pepe’s absence. The 21-year-old has provided effective cover this season as Pepe and Sergio Ramos have both spend significant spells on the sidelines.
Although it’s yet to be confirmed how long Pepe will be missing for, Ancelotti will be keen for Pepe to be back in time for the crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico de Madrid on April 14.
