Real Madrid will be without the services of central defender Pepe for around a month after he was injured in Thursday night's Copa del Rey game away to Levante.

The Portuguese international tore a muscle in his left calf during the game, which Real Madrid lost 2-0, and tests carried out on Friday confirm he will be sidelined for around four weeks.

The injury means Pepe will miss up to eight games, depending on whether or not Real Madrid progress past the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey, where they will face local rivals Atletico Madrid.

The loss of the defender is a setback for coach Jose Mourinho who had used him whenever he had been available. Pepe has made 14 appearances in the BBVA Primera Liga, accumulating 1,271 minutes football in the competition.

Mourinho used his post match press conference to complain about the limitations of his expensive squad and Pepe's loss will not help the mood of his coach.

However, Real Madrid do have options in central defense, with Spain international Raul Albiol able to provide cover along with Garay, or even Sergio Ramos, who can move over from right back.

The first game Pepe will miss is this Sunday's league game at home to third placed Villarreal.