Real Madrid will have to face Atlético with an even more depleted side after the last International Break of the year, as Alvaro Morata has been ruled out for a month after picking up a muscular injury with Spain.
The striker left Friday's World Cup Qualifying match against Macedonia with a muscular injury, and despite Los Blancos' desire to keep the player away from the pitch, Spain's coach Julen Lopetegui used him during the late 2-2 draw against England on Tuesday.
The club revealed the news via a press release on its website.
"After tests carried out on our player Álvaro Morata at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital prior to the training session held today, Wednesday, he has been diagnosed with a grade 2 muscle injury in his right hamstring. His recovery will continue to be assessed," the press release states.
Morata has scored 11 goals for club and country this season.
Morata's injury could keep him on the sidelines for up to eight matches in all competitions, including the crucial ties against Atlético and Barcelona. The Spaniard will also miss the final games of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, were Zidane's crew need to beat Sporting Lisbon and Borussia Dortmund to secure Group F's top spot.
The former Juventus striker will join a long list of absentees for Los Blancos which includes Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Karim Benzema, among others.
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