Madrid ace hit by injury
Thigh strain sidelines Real's Diarra
Last Updated: November 10, 2008 9:09pm
Diarra: Thigh injury
Sky Bet
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Football Betting
Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is facing three weeks on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
The Mali international was injured in Saturday's 4-3 defeat of Malaga and now joins Ruben de la Red, Arjen Robben and Ruud van Nistelrooy in a congested treatment room.
Robben's muscle tear is set to keep him out for six weeks, while van Nistelrooy may require knee surgery to cure his problem.
Meanwhile, Madrid are in talks with Portuguese side Rio Ave as they negotiate a fee for 16-year-old Brazilian Alipio Duarte Brandao.
Alipio, who is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish champions, has spoken of his excitement.
"It's a dream come true, but I have to keep my feet on the ground," said Alipio.
"I don't know when I'm going to arrive in Madrid, I'm going to start playing for Real's 'B' team."
Mahamadou Diarra
