Real Madrid Calf injury set to sideline Brazilian

Zinedine Zidane's mantra of not risking key players under threat of long-term injury will most likely continue with Casemiro's removal from the Real Madrid squad when Villarreal come to town on Wednesday.

Being replaced after just 20 minutes of the Espanyol victory, the midfielder has a bruised left calf muscle and unless swelling reduces significantly in a short space of time, he will not feature in midweek.

Although the injury is not significant, Zidane will opt to rest Casemiro as a precaution with the season still in its early stages.