Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Rafael Varane ruled out of Champions League final due to injury

Real Madrid defender Rafael Varane is set to miss the Champions League final showdown with Atletico Madrid after suffering a hamstring injury.

Varane, 23, suffered the injury in training and went for tests on 22 May, which revealed a "grade two injury in the left thigh muscle", according to the club's official website.

Real did not specify how long the Frenchman will be out of action for, but Marca reported that the injury could sidelined him for three weeks.

Varane has played second fiddle to veteran centre-backs Pepe and Sergio Ramos this season under Zinedine Zidane.

He made 26 league appearances in the 2015/16 campaign and was widely expected to start on the bench in the Champions League final against Atletico at the San Siro on 28 May.

A three-week spell on the sidelines could also jeopardise the 23-year-old's participation in France's opening Euro 2016 match against Romania on 10 June.

Real are bidding to win an unprecedented 11th European Cup in Milan, while arch-rivals Atletico have never been crowned European champions before.

The Madrid clubs also contested the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon, with Real running out 4-1 winners after extra-time.

France blow

Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu said he was ready to step in for Les Bleus if Varane is unfit for the start of the European Championships.

"I hope it's not too serious for [Varane] because he's an important player for the French team. He's the boss of our defence," the former Valencia player was quoted as saying by ESPN.

"It would be a big blow if he's not able to take part in the Euros. If we can do the job initially and he can come back [during the tournament] that would be good."

He added: "I'm ready – we'll see what the coach decides. I hope he'll come back as quickly as possible. If I have the chance to play, I'll give everything I've got – like in every match."

Hosts France are in Group A with Romania, Albania and Switzerland.