New problems for Real Madrid as latest player joins Casemiro on treatment table

Real Madrid's injury problems continue to mount up, with the club revealing Marcelo suffered a "grade 2 muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his right calf" during the 1-1 draw with Villarreal on Wednesday (21 September) night. The blow came just a day after Casemiro was diagnosed with a fracture to the central third of his left fibula. Additionally, Pepe will be sidelined for Saturday's La Liga trip to Las Palmas, after the Portuguese centre-back missed Friday's training session.

The news is a major headache for manager Zinedine Zidane ahead of a busy week that will see Los Blancos visiting Las Palmas just three days before a crucial Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund. Marcelo, Casemiro and Pepe are regular starters in the French manager's line-up.

Marcelo was forced off in the 42nd minute against Villarreal with a muscle strain. Initial reports suggested that the Brazilian left-back could be out of action for around two weeks, missing the coming games against Las Palmas, Dortmund and Eibar.

Real Madrid have now confirmed the issue, but set no timeline for the player's recovery.

"Following tests carried out today on Marcelo at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a grade 2 muscle strain in the soleus muscle of his right calf. His recovery will continue to be monitored," the club said.

Casemiro had already missed the draw with Villarreal after suffering a knock during the weekend win over Espanyol.

Initial reports seemingly ruled out a serious problem, but Real Madrid delivered bad news to fans on Thursday night after announcing the Brazilian had fractured his left fibula.

"Following tests carried out today on Casemiro at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a fracture to the central third of his left fibula. His recovery will continue to be assessed," the club confirmed, amid suggestions he could out for up to two months.

The duo will not be the only big absentees against Las Palmas, with Pepe also expected to be restricted to the treatment room.

Real Madrid revealed the Portuguese international was unable to train on Friday, having already missed the midweek game with Villarreal.

"Real Madrid completed their final training session ahead of this Saturday's visit to the Canary Islands in the sixth round of league games," the club said. "Pepe did some individual ball work away from the group, while Marcelo and Casemiro continued with their recovery processes."