The Merengues infirmary has now four players including three from the defensive department; Christoph Metzelder, Gabriel Heinze and Pepe, who was injured against Atletico Madrid last week.

Schuster won't have many options as Sergio Ramos will have to partner Fabio Cannavaro in the central axe while Miguel Torres (right) and Marcelo (left) will be running on the flanks.

A statement on the club's website said that Pepe will be out of trainings for three and maybe five weeks.

Pepe was brought to the Bernabeu last summer for $50m and booked his place in Schuster's starting lineup.