Real Madrid's Pepe diagnosed with 2 fractured ribs

Real Madrid defender Pepe could be set for an extended stint on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a pair of fractured ribs following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese defender helped his side earn an important point when he scored the go-ahead goal before Antoine Griezmann brought Atletico level at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A brief statement on Real Madrid's website reads: "Following the tests carried out on Pepe at the Sanitas la Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with fractures to his seventh and eighth left ribs. His recovery will continue to be assessed."

It's a frustrating blow for Zinedine Zidane's side, who are already without centre-half Raphael Varane after the Frenchman suffered a thigh injury during Real Madrid's midweek victory over Leganes.

The loss of Pepe, and, possibly Varane, comes at a critical point in the calendar as Real Madrid prepares for its Champions League quarter-final encounter with Bayern Munich on April 12 before the return leg on April 18.

Zidane's men will then turn their attention to El Clasico on April 23 as Real attempts to maintain its lead on Barcelona and capture the league title for the first time since 2012.