Real Madrid star out for a month

Real Madrid will be without Karim Benzema for the next four  weeks or more because of injury.

The Frenchman sustained a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Levante over the weekend and was substituted midway through the first half. Gareth Bale replaced the striker as Real Madrid drew their second straight game.

"Following tests carried out on Karim Benzema at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury in the semimembranosus of his right leg. The club said after the match.

"His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Games Benzema will miss

Champions League: Real Madrid vs APOEL
La Liga: Real Madrid vs Socided
La Liga: Real Madrid vs Real Betis
La Liga: Alaves vs Real Madrid

Benzema has scored one goal for Real Madrid this season in six matches as the team lacks firepower upfront in Ronaldo's absence.

Another player the team will miss over the next three games or more is Marcelo.

The Brazilian was sent off with a straight red card in the dying minutes of the 1-1 draw against Levante for a lashing out and kicking Levante defender Jefferson Lerma. Depending on the referee's report and the decision of the Spanish federation's disciplinary committee, he could be banned for four matches.