Real Madrid have confirmed that defender Pepe has broken two of his ribs.
The Portugal defender scored the opening goal in their 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Satuday with a powerful header.
But he was forced off after a heavy collison with Toni Kroos. Pepe was replaced in the 67th minute with Nacho.
After undergoing medical tests, Madrid later confirmed a double rib break.
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“After the examinations carried out today on Pepe at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with fractures in seventh and eighth ribs on the left side,” a statement from the club read.
This news leaves manager Zinedine Zidane with a major defensive crisis, as the business end of the season sets in.
Raphael Varane is already out with a hamstring problem, leaving Sergio Ramos and Nacho as the only front-line centre-backs.
Madrid travel to Bayern Munich next for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.