Real Madrid's James Rodriguez, Ramos out for a long haul

Real Madrid will be without the services of midfielder James Rodriguez for around two months, while Sergio Ramos' left hamstring injury will keep him out for around three weeks.

James was forced to leave the field after just 10 minutes of his side's 2-1 win at home to Sevilla, which moved them four points clear of FC Barcelona. He had scored his side's opening goal in the win, but then received a blow on his right foot, reports Xinhua.

X-rays subsequently showed he has broken his fifth metatarsal bone, an injury which requires and operation and will sideline him for around two months.

That means he will miss around 12 matches, depending on how Real Madrid progress in the last 16 of this season's Champions League.

The Colombian had been in excellent form in recent weeks and had also opened the scoring at the weekend when Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad.

James was not the only player to pick up an injury on Wednesday night with central defender Ramos injuring his left hamstring.

Ramos' injury especially gives Real coach Carlos Ancelotti a selection headache ahead of Saturday's Madrid derby away to Atletico Madrid.

Given that his usual central defensive partner Pepe is also out with a rib injury and Marcelo is suspended, Real are weak in defence. Marcelo will sit out at the Vicente Calderon stadium after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Sevilla.

Ancelotti will probably respond by pairing utility defender, Nacho Fernandez alongside Rafael Varene in central defence, while moving Alvaro Arbeloa to cover at left back.

The good news for Real is that Cristiano Ronaldo is available and will go into the side for James for what is likely to be a tense and physical game.