Topics: La Liga, Real Madrid, Real Valladolid, James Rodriguez, Zinedine Zidane
The Colombian playmaker is expected to be out of action for sometime,

Real Madrid's injury woes have been worsened with the club confirming that talisman James Rodriguez is set for a spell on the sidelines. Los Blancos revealed that the Colombian midfielder sustained a calf injury in Saturday's surprise 1-1 draw with Real Valladolid. Rodriguez made his first appearances for the Bernabeu outfit since 2017, having returned from a two-year-loan spell with Bayern Munich.

Amid claims that he is not central to the plans of head coach Zinedine Zidane, the 28-year-old massively impressed in his bow and drew praises from the French manager at the end of the proceeding. Nonetheless, his stint was short lived as he was replaced by Vinicius Junior in the 56th minute with his side chasing a win.

Concerns that the midfielder might have picked up a knock were subsequently confirmed by Real Madrid following the end of the encounter. A statement released by the club cited that the player was due for further tests on Monday but withheld information on his potential return.

Earlier today, Los Blancos revealed Rodriguez's injury as one associated with his right calf and now all indications point at him staying with the club having been tipped for a move away this summer.

"After the tests carried out today on our player James Rodríguez by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the right soleus," a statement read.

"His recovery will continue to be assessed."

The diagnosis is one that will not sit well with Real Madrid considering the fact that the club has already lost the likes of Eden Hazard, Ferland Mendy and Marco Asensio to injury this season. Rodriguez is expected to miss at least two to three weeks of football in order to fully recover.