Carlo Ancelotti: 'Raphael Varane still not ready'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Raphael Varane is still two weeks away from a return to first-team training as he battles to overcome a knee injury.

The French centre-back, who is regarded as one of the best young defenders in European football, has not played for Madrid since limping out of the La Liga clash with Real Sociedad in November.

The 20-year-old appeared 33 times for Los Blancos last season, but is not expected to return to action for at least one month.

"Raphael is still recovering. The knee is responding well. In 10 to 15 days he will start training with the team," Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference.

Varane has made just four league appearances for Madrid this season.