Real's van der Vaart out with calf injury

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart could be out for the rest of the month after suffering a calf injury during last night’s home win over Real Mallorca.

The Dutchman was replaced just 21 minutes into the contest at the Bernabeu after sustaining the problem in his left leg and, following tests this morning, Madrid have confirmed he is likely to be out for between “two to three weeks”.

Having already been knocked out of the Copa del Rey before Christmas, Madrid only have three more games in January, facing Athletic Bilbao and Deportivo La Coruna away, as well as hosting Malaga.

Madrid are two points behind leaders Barcelona at the top of the Primera Division standings.