According to the club, Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has undergone an operation on Monday, on the meniscus injury in his right knee. The arthroscopic surgery was carried out by orthopaedic surgeon, Herve Silbert, in Beziers (France).

The France international was hurt in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Espanyol and initial examinations showed he had a meniscus injury.

Varane will be out for about two months, but is expected to be ready for the pre-season with Real Madrid this summer. With Varane on the bench for the final of the Copa del Rey, it looks more than probable that Albiol will cover the "gap" in Madrid’s defence.