Real Madrid Defender struggled in Lisbon

Injuries begin to take their toll at Real Madrid

Real Madrid's injury curse has continued this week, with Zinedine Zidane confirming that Fabio Coentrao will miss Saturday's clash against Sporting Gijon with a knock.

The Portugal international was at the centre of the action in the Champions League on Tuesday, giving away a penalty kick with a foolish handball which ultimately didn't cost his side as Karim Benzema bagged a late winner.

On Friday, Zidane revealed at his pre-match press conference that the full-back is suffering with a discomfort in his adductor muscle and has been ruled out yet again.

Acknowledging that Coentrao is suffering from a lack of confidence at present, Zidane also defended the player over the incident which marred Tuesday's clash for him.

"He has been too hard on himself," said the Frenchman.

"He has been working well and it is normal that these things [the handball] happen in football when you have been out of action for so long.

"However, he knows that he has support from all of us at the club and we are all here to help him."