Madrid defender Pepe out with calf injury

LaLiga leaders Real Madrid have confirmed defender Pepe has sustained an injury to the calf muscle in his left leg.

The Portugal international last played in a 3-2 win over Deportivo La Coruna on December 10.

He travelled with the squad to Japan for the Club World Cup last month, but played no part as Zinedine Zidane's side defeated Club America and Kashima Antlers to lift the trophy.

And Pepe looks likely to miss at the least Madrid's Copa del Rey last-16 first leg against Sevilla on Wednesday after the European champions confirmed the 33-year-old's injury.

"Following the tests carried out on Pepe at the Sanitas la Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a grade 2 injury to the inner calf muscle of his left leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed," a brief statement read on the club's official website.

After facing Sevilla, Madrid return to LaLiga action at home to Granada on Saturday.