Real Madrid look to have been handed an injury blow in their defeat to Valencia, with Raphael Varane apparently set for a period out with a muscle strain.

Varane in line for at least three weeks out

The defender was substituted with just under 20 minutes to go in Real's 2-1 loss on Wednesday, with initial tests suggesting he'll be out for at least three weeks.

Full screen Varane can't stop Fabián Orellana putting Valencia 2-0 up - after his error had given Los Che possession. MANUEL BRUQUE (EFE)

It compounds a miserable night for Varane, who was at fault for both Valencia's goals as his side spurned the chance to stretch their lead at the top of LaLiga.

Further tests on Thursday

The 23-year-old France international is to have a scan back in Madrid on Thursday to ascertain the exact extent of the problem.