Real Madrid have confirmed that defender Pepe, who scored in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, has broken two of his ribs.
The Portugal international scored his side’s only goal of the game with a header, before Antoine Griezmann equalised late on.
But, after a nasty collision with Toni Kroos, he struggled to continue, and was eventually forced off in the 67th minute with Nacho replacing him.
After undergoing medical tests, Madrid later confirmed a double rib break.
“After the examinations carried out today on Pepe at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with fractures in seventh and eighth ribs on the left side,” a statement from the club explained.
The Portugal defender sustained a rib injury two years ago and missed just over a month. However, those were bruised ribs, rather than broken, so he likely faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Even if he recovers as quickly as he did in 2015, that would still leave the centre-back unavailable for the Clasico against Barcelona on April 23 and puts the remainder of his season in doubt.
His contract contract expires June 30, so it is possible Pepe may have played his last game for los Blancos.
