Heinze facing five-week lay-off

Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze will be out of action for up to five weeks with a torn muscle in his left leg, the Primera Liga leaders said on Tuesday.

The Argentina international picked up the injury during the 2-0 home win over Real Zaragoza in the Primera Liga on Sunday and had to be substituted after 16 minutes.

Heinze has suffered a string of muscle problems since joining from Manchester United for 12 million euros in August, and has only made six starts in the league.

His absence could leave coach Bernd Schuster with problems in defence for Thursday's Copa del Rey last 16 first leg against Real Mallorca with Fabio Cannavaro and Christoph Metzelder undergoing treatment for ankle and foot injuries respectively.