As the build up for Friday’s Copa del Rey takes center stage in Spain’s capital City Madrid, Portuguese defender Pepe should consider his ‘problem’, French foootballer Raphael Varane, solved. The French international will miss the tie between regional rivals Real and Atletico Madrid because he needs knee surgery.
The France international hurt his leg in the 1-1 draw with Espanyol that gifted Barcelona the Spanish La Liga on Saturday.
Varane tweeted after tests conducted on his leg confirmed the severity of the injury: “The tests today have revealed an injury to the meniscus. They are going to operate on me as soon as possible.”
The former Lens player will be sidelined for six weeks after stumbling awkwardly while making a tackle. The 20- year- old center- back will miss his club’s final two games of the La Liga season as well as the Spanish Cup clash later on Friday.
Varane is also likely to miss out on France’s tour of South America that will have them play Uruguay and Brazil on 5th and on the 9th of June.
Varane has been Jose Mourinho’s preferred option in the center of Real’s defence as against the tactician’s compatriot Pepe. He was recently praised by the Real boss after the 31- year- old Portugal international criticised his tutor and his decision to drop club captain Iker Casillas.
