Madrid face anxious wait on Pepe
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Article summary
Pepe is a big doubt for the first leg of Real Madrid CF's UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against AS Roma next month after sustaining an injury to his right calf.
Article body
Pepe is a doubt for the first leg of Real Madrid CF's UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie with AS Roma next month after suffering more injury woe.
Derby disappointment
The 24-year-old defender was substituted eleven minutes into Sunday's derby victory against Club Atlético de Madrid at the Vicente Calderón after sustaining a knock to his right calf. Medical tests yesterday confirmed the summer signing from FC Porto will be sidelined for three to four weeks, meaning his chances of recovering for the first leg in Rome on 19 February are in the balance.
Second blow
It is the second setback for Pepe this season after a thigh injury sustained in training back in August delayed the Brazil-born Portuguese international's Madrid debut until November. The Primera División leaders welcome Roma to the Santiago Bernabéu for the return leg on 5 March.
