Real Madrid defender Marcelo suffers hamstring injury

Madrid Feb 19 (IANS) Real Madrid have suffered a second injury setback in just four days after left back Marcelo suffered a hamstring injury in his side s 5-3 win away to Betis.

The Brazilian had to leave the pitch in the 29th minute of the game on Sunday night to be replaced by Theo Hernandez reports Xinhua news agency.

It is the second hamstring injury he has suffered this season with his previous setback sidelining him for around three weeks.

This injury comes two and a half weeks before Madrid s Champions League return leg away to Paris Saint Germain where they will defend a 3-1 advantage following a late fightback in the Santiago Bernabeu where Marcelo scored the third goal and put in a decisive display down the Madrid left.

If the Brazilian fails to recover in time Theo Hernandez would be his substitute although the young Frenchman has little European experience and has not started a league game in 2018.

When asked about Marcelo s injury Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said the player thought it was "not too serious " but Madrid s Head of External Relations Emilio Butragueno described it as "very very bad news."

Marcelo s hamstring injury follows the news on Friday that midfielder Tony Kroos has suffered a twisted knee ligament and although the club has not made any predictions over his recovery time the German will also struggle to be fit for the trip to Paris.

--IANS
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