Real confirm Benzema crocked

Karim Benzema appears set for two to three weeks on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed that he suffered a hamstring strain in his side's weekend derby defeat to Atlético.

The Frenchman was replaced at half time of the clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, and on Monday morning underwent a scan that revealed "a muscle injury to his right biceps femoris".

Madrid did not disclose an expected timeframe for Benzema's return, stating only: "His recovery will continue to be assessed."

The 28-year-old is likely to miss Real's forthcoming fixtures against Levante, Celta Vigo, Roma and Las Palmas, and is doubtful for their encounter with Sevilla.

If his recuperation remains on schedule, he should be back in time for the Clásico at Barcelona at the start of April.

Benzema was also ruled out with a hamstring problem earlier this season, pulling up with an issue in his left leg on international duty for France in October. That complaint kept him out of action for almost exactly a month.

Having sat out Real's draw with Málaga a week ago with a hip injury, this is the third time he has been confined to the treatment table this campaign.