MADRID, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid faces being without all four of their specialist central defenders for the return of the UEFA Champions League next week after it confirmed that Antonio Rudiger has suffered a muscle injury that will keep him out of action for at least two weeks.

Rudiger suffered a knock against Getafe 10 days ago and missed last weekend's 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid, but the German international had been expected to be in the squad for Saturday's La Liga game at home to second-placed Girona.

However, the club published a communique on the defender's condition just hours before the kick-off which read, "Following tests carried out today on our player Antonio Rudiger by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the vastus lateralis of the left thigh. His progress is pending."

The club doesn't give a date for Rudiger's recovery, but an injury of that type needs at least two weeks treatment, meaning he will miss next Tuesday's visit to RB Leipzig in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

Rudiger's absence comes with David Alaba and Eder Militao still working their way back after operations on torn cruciate knee ligaments, while fourth choice Nacho Fernandez also has a muscle problem that will keep him out of action next week.

Right back Dani Carvajal and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will cover in central defense, but Tchouameni is more used to playing in central midfield, while Carvajal's lack of height makes him vulnerable in the air as Atletico Madrid exploited it to score a late equalizer last Sunday. Enditem

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