Defender Pepe is doubtful for the May 24 Champions League final with a torn calf muscle in his left leg, his club Real Madrid said on Friday.
Real said he will be out of action for around 15 days, which makes him touch-and-go for the Lisbon final against neighbours Atletico.
To make things worse for the whites, Pepe’s natural replacement Raphael Varane is also injured and has hardly played this season.
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Pepe, 31, suffered the injury in Wednesday’s disappointing 1-1 draw at Valladolid which left Real in third place in La Liga and virtually out of the title race.
Strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria also suffered muscle injuries in Valladolid and will probably miss Sunday’s visit to Celta Vigo, though they should be fit well in time for the final.
In addition, defender Alvaro Arbeloa is fit again, though young striker Jese will not play until next season.
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