Real Madrid's Varane sidelined with thigh injury

Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has been shelved for an undetermined length of time after suffering a muscle injury in his right thigh, as reported by their official website Friday.

The angular Lille-born defender cemented his place as one of Europe's best on-the-ball defenders since joining the capital club from Lens in 2011, forming a superlative tandem with club captain Sergio Ramos.

In lieu of his absence, Portuguese international Pepe will likely pair with Ramos for Sunday's La Liga trip to Eibar.

Varane, 22, had tests performed Friday at Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital in Madrid, and the club announced his recovery will continue to be assessed with no timetable for his return.

Spanish daily Marca has said Varane will miss four weeks, though the club has not confirmed reports.