Real rocked as Varane adds to injury woes

– Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane admitted injuries will force him into patching up a makeshift defence for tomorrow’s visit of Sevilla after Raphael Varane (above) joined an increasing list of absentees.

The French international limped off holding his left leg as Madrid edged out Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a Champions League thriller on Wednesday.

However, with the defending champions already having secured their place in the last-16 of the Champions League behind Tottenham Hotspur in Group H, Zidane was more concerned with how Varane’s absence could affect a busy end to the year for Real.

After Sevilla, Zidane’s men jet off to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup before hosting Barcelona in the El Clasico on December 23.

Tomorrow is the French coach’s primary concern, though, with Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro all suspended, while Jesus Vallejo is also sidelined by injury, leaving Nacho as Real’s only fit centreback.

“With Rafa he has done some damage to himself, but we will see tomorrow when we do the scans as always,” said Zidane.

“He won’t be there on Saturday, that is for sure. We have to look for solutions.”

Real have precious little room for error as they already trail La Liga leaders Barca by eight points.

And further forward, Madrid could again be without Gareth Bale due to a calf problem.

Injuries aside, it was another enjoyable Champions League night for Real as Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another record.

The Portuguese fired a spectacular effort into the top corner to become the first player to ever score in all six group games in the one season.

Ronaldo’s European form – he has nine in the Champions League in total – is in stark contrast to his struggles in La Liga, where he has scored just twice in 10 appearances this season. – AFP