Ramos out: How Madrid might line up against Legia

Real Madrid coach Zinédine Zidane's selection headache has grown more acute with the news that captain Sergio Ramos is expected to be out for around six weeks with a knee injury.

How Real Madrid might line up against Legia Warszawa on matchday three:
Navas; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, Kovačić; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Ramos picked up the knock during Spain's European Qualifier in Albania on Sunday. It is a further blow for Zidane, who in recent weeks has been deprived of the likes of Casemiro (calf), Luka Modrić (knee) and James Rodríguez (calf).

Sergi Ramos on international duty last week©AFP/Getty Images

The absence of Ramos – man of the match in last season's UEFA Champions League final, the club's most experienced player, and the heart and soul of the team – could hardly be worse timed. The 30-year-old could miss Liga fixtures against Betis, Athletic, Alavés and Leganés, as well as back-to-back Group F matches with Legia. He may also be touch and go for the trip to Atlético Madrid on 19/20 November.

"After tests carried out today, [Ramos] has been diagnosed with a grade two sprain of the medial collateral knee ligament in his left knee," read a Madrid statement. "His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Zidane can at least count on Raphaël Varane and Pepe, while Nacho can also deputise in central defence now that Marcelo has overcome the calf problem that sidelined him for three weeks. Fábio Coentrão may also return.

Zidane has much to ponder©Getty Images