Real Madrid injury news: Pepe ruled out for two months with broken ribs, joins Raphael Varane in injury list

Real Madrid have confirmed that their defender Pepe fractured two of his ribs in his side's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on 8 April.

The incident took place in the second half when the Portuguese international collided with his teammate Toni Kroos, as both the Real players came from the opposite direction to clear the ball just outside the box.

Pepe was substituted immediately and replaced by Nacho in the 67<sup>th minute. The 34-year-old underwent tests at Sanitas la Moraleja University Hospital following the latest setback and Real confirmed his injury on their official website.

"Following the tests carried out on Pepe at the Sanitas la Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with fractures to his 7th and 8th left ribs. His recovery will continue to be assessed," a statement on Real Madrid's official website read.

When Pepe left the pitch, the Champions League winners were still leading the game 1-0. Antoine Griezmann's late strike helped Diego Simeone's side avoid a defeat at the hands of their local rivals on Saturday.

According to Spanish publication Marca, Pepe will be on the sidelines for two months, which rules him out for the rest of the season. Real are already struggling with injuries as Zinedine Zidane is without the services of Raphael Varane.

The France international, who made his comeback from injury against Alaves on 2 April, suffered a hamstring injury. The La Liga giants' manager confirmed he is not aware as to how long his compatriot will be out of action.

The 11-time European winners take on Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Real take on their arch-rivals Barcelona for the El Clasico on 23 April and Pepe will miss the Catalan club's visit to the Spanish capital.

Varane is expected to miss a month's action after the latest setback, reports Goal.com. This means the Frenchman and Pepe will miss their side's two-legged Champions League tie against Bayern, and also the league fixture against Luis Enrique's side. With Pepe's latest injury blow, Zidane will be left with Sergio Ramos and Nacho as the only recognised centre-backs in the squad.