Real Madrid: Dani Carvajal facing a month on the sidelines with thigh injury

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is set to be sidelined for a month after suffering a thigh injury against Eibar at the weekend. Spain international Carvajal came off in the 85<sup>th minute of Real's 2-0 win at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium on 29 November.

"Following the tests carried out on Dani Carvajal... the player has been diagnosed with a muscle injury on his left thigh. His condition will be evaluated," a statement on the club's official website read. Spanish daily Marca said the 23-year-old will be out of action for a month, which could potentially see him miss seven matches across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Carvajal's injury leaves Real boss Rafael Benitez with just four fit defenders for the Copa del Rey clash against Cadiz on 2 December – Danilo, Pepe, Nacho and Alvaro Arbeloa. Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos are both sidelined with thigh and shoulder problems respectively, while left-back Marcelo could make his return from a thigh injury against Getafe at the weekend.

'No problems with Rodriguez'

Meanwhile, Benitez dismissed suggestions that he had fallen out with Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez in a press conference ahead of the Cadiz match.

"He is a player that was out injured for 55 days. There are no problems with him, he is an excellent player," Benitez was quoted as saying by Real's official website. "The more he comes on and plays, the closer James will be to his best form. He has my full backing and confidence. This is Real Madrid and the competitiveness among the players is as high as possible."

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema have all been excluded from the 17-man squad to Andalusia, but Rodriguez is included in the travelling party and could start at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza.

Real are seeking a third successive victory across all competitions since their damaging home defeat against Barcelona on 21 November.