Real's Pepe undergoes ankle surgery

Real Madrid centre back Pepe had arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle on Wednesday, the La Liga champions said, adding to coach Jose Mourinho's selection problems in defence.

"After feeling pain in his right ankle and a medical checkup, the Real Madrid player Pepe was operated on this morning in Porto," the club said on their website (www.realmadrid.com).

They did not say how long the Portuguese international would be out of action but local media reported he would be sidelined for about a month.

Real have been hit by several injuries in defence in recent weeks, including fullbacks Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo.

Pepe's regular partner at centre back, Sergio Ramos, is suspended for Sunday's game at home to Real Sociedad and French teenager Raphael Varane could partner the little-used Ricardo Carvalho in the middle of a makeshift defence as Real seek to get their La Liga campaign back on track after a poor run.

They are third after 17 matches, seven points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and 16 adrift of unbeaten leaders Barcelona.