Real Madrid have suffered a major blow as forward Karim Benzema has been sidelined for at least three matches due to a hamstring injury.
Benzema was initially pulled out at half-time during his side's defeat against Atletico Madrid before being ruled out of the 19-man squad against Malaga in La Liga clash on Sunday.
Confirming the news, Madrid said in a statement that the 28-year-old had been diagnosed with a muscle injury to his right hamstring after undergoing tests at the University Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja, goal.com reported.
Benzema, who scored 23 goals overall for Madrid this season, had joined Gareth Bale, who was also suffering from calf injury.
Madrid will play their next three games against Levante, Celta in La Liga and against Roma in the second leg of the last-16 Champions League tie.
