Real Madrid: Raphael Varane doubtful for Eibar trip after suffering hamstring injury

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane could miss the La Liga clash against Eibar on 29 November after picking up a hamstring injury. Varane, 22, was replaced by Danilo in the 33rd minute of Real's Champions League group stage match against Shakhtar Donetsk on 25 November.

Spanish daily Marca said the Frenchman will undergo a series of scans on 27 November to assess the extent of the problem. Real are already without Sergio Ramos, who is nursing a shoulder injury that could sideline him for up to a month.

Left-back Marcelo is also doubtful for the trip to Eibar after he missed the Shakhtar match with a thigh problem. If Marcelo and Varane are unable to recover in time for the match at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium, Real would likely start with Pepe and Nacho in central defence and Daniel Carvajal and Danilo on either flank as full-backs.

'Positive reaction'

Meanwhile, Real boss Rafael Benitez said he was pleased with his team's performance in the 4-3 win at Shakhtar. Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Luka Modric and Carvajal gave the Spanish side a commanding 4-0 lead before the home side struck back with three late goals to reduce the deficit.

Madrid were under pressure to perform after they were thrashed 4-0 at home by Barcelona at the weekend.

"Reacting the way the team did after the game against Barcelona and going 4-0 up in the Champions League is really positive," Benitez was quoted as saying by Real's official website.

"Regardless of who I had fielded today we would have put in a good match, because the players knew what they had to do and they did it well; they showed quality, intensity and a real desire to perform well.

"The main thing for me is that the team did well for a long period and it's a first step in producing a reaction."