Zinedine Zidane rules out Raphael Varane for Real Madrid's clash against Sevilla

Zinedine Zidane is facing a defensive crisis heading into Real Madrid's game against Sevilla on Saturday after Raphael Varane came off with an injury during their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday (6 December).

The central defender limped off the pitch 38 minutes into their game against the Germans and will miss the weekend clash against Eduardo Berizzo's side. He is suspected to have sustained a muscular injury, but Zidane did not reveal the extent of the knock following their win.

The French coach is facing the prospect of naming an unfamiliar back four for the La Liga clash at the weekend against a side that is level on points with the Spanish capital club – Real and Sevilla are tied on 28 points in fourth and fifth place respectively. The manager will be without Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro, who are suspended, while Jesus Vallejo is injured.

Varane's absence will ensure a fresh centre-back pairing and according to Spanish publication Marca, Achraf Hakimi and Nacho Fernandez could join regular left-back Marcelo in defence for the game against Sevilla. Meanwhile, Zidane has revealed that Marcos Llorente could fill the void left by his compatriot.

"He has hurt himself and we have to wait the scan results that will come tomorrow," Zidane said after Real's win, as quoted by Marca.

"He doesn't think it's a serious problem, but he is definitely out for Saturday," the French coach added. "We will find a solution. Marcos Llorente can play there, he has done it before."

Zidane, meanwhile, is confident that his team can turn their form around when the Champions League resumes in February. The reigning European champions finished second in their group after losing to Tottenham Hotspur – who topped the group - in Wembley and could be drawn against the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Manchester City or AS Roma.

"I am convinced that by February, we'll be fine," Zidane explained during his post-match briefing.

"After the break, we'll be okay; we are looking forward to the draw on Monday even though a difficult opponent is coming.

"I don't care what team we play, this doesn't take place until February," the former France midfielder added.