Real Madrid defender Pepe has undergone ankle surgery.

With the 29-year-old already serving a suspension for Real Sociedad's visit to the Bernabeu on Sunday, the decision was taken to operate on the niggling injury before Pepe returned from his winter break in Portugal.

A statement on the club's website read: "Pepe, after feeling discomfort in his right ankle and having a medical examination, had a consultation with Dr Van Dijk in Porto this morning.

"An ankle arthroscopy has been performed on the player."

The defender now faces a struggle to return to action for the capital club's Champions League last-16 meeting with Manchester United on February 13.