Real Madrid defender Pepe could face a month out of action after undergoing an operation on his ankle on Wednesday morning.
Pepe, 29, complained of a pain in his ankle during training this week and the decision was taken quickly by Madrid's team doctors to send the centre-back for surgery.
A statement on Los Blancos' official website said: "Real Madrid player Pepe, after displaying problems with his right ankle, and after a medical examination, underwent surgery this morning in Oporto, with the operation carried out by Dr Van Dijk and the team at the Clinica Espregueira Mendes. The player underwent an arthroscopy on his ankle."
They will need him in subsequent games so it is a big blow for Real madrid
pepe get well soon.real madrid need u