Former Liverpool and current Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso is likely to be sidelined for only a couple of weeks after an Achilles injury proved to be less serious than was at first feared.
The 28-year-old summer recruit from Liverpool was injured in the 5-2 Champions League victory over FC Zurich, with initial fears of a lengthy lay-off proving unfounded.
Alonso confirmed: "I feared the worst at first because the blow was hard and I have experienced bad injuries in the past.
"But the scans have been positive and I intend to be back helping the squad very soon."
Real are hopeful that Alonso will be back in action within a fortnight, in time for their next Champions League clash with Marseille.