Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard is set to miss the Clasico clash against Barcelona on December 18 after the club detected a muscle tear.
Hazard had to be helped off in the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain last week after he was hurt in a challenge by international team-mate Thomas Meunier and initial tests claimed he had only bruising.
The 28-year-old was expected to be back in the space of 10 days, but is still in pain and underwent further examinations.
"After the tests performed on our player Eden Hazard by the Real Madrid Medical Services, in the process of the evolution of his right leg injury, he has been diagnosed with an external incomplete micro-fissure in that area," the club said in a statement on Thursday.
They added: "His recovery will continue to be assessed."
With the Clasico less than two weeks away, the Belgian is now set to miss the match at Camp Nou, and is unlikely to return to action until after the winter break.
After Real's home game against Athletic Club on December 22, there are no La Liga games for two weeks, with Los Blancos back in action away to Getafe on January 4, ahead of the Supercopa in Saudi Arabia, which sees Madrid meet Valencia on January 8.
Real Madrid further announced on Thursday that Marcelo has picked up a calf injury and the Brazilian could also be doubtful for the trip to Barcelona on December 18.
