Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is facing an extended period sidelined with injury.

Varane picked up a hamstring injury in the loss to Valencia, Real Madrid said in a statement on Friday morning after the player underwent tests.

Although Real Madrid did not give an estimation of the length of time Varane will be out, AS says medical sources confirmed the injury can be expected to keep him on the sidelines for between four and six weeks.

Varane was taken off in the 72nd minute in Mestalla and initially it was suspected he had suffered a fibre tear that would have kept him out of action for around three weeks.