Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa will reportedly miss the next three weeks of the season after suffering a tear in his patella.

It had initially been thought that the knee injury would keep him on the sidelines for no more than a week, but AS have reported a three-week absence for the Spanish international.

The former Liverpool right-back has been battling with Dani Carvajal for a place on the right of the Los Blancos defence this season, but started the 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.

The Spaniard could miss as many as five league games for the La Liga leaders.