Real Madrid have reportedly been dealt a blow with speculation that centre-back Pepe has been ruled out of the game against Galatasaray.
For the Champions League quarter-final second leg, the Portuguese defender was expected, alongside Luka Modric to fill in for Madrid in place of the suspended Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso.
However, reports in Spain are that Pepe pulled up during today’s training session held at Besiktas’ stadium complaining of muscular discomfort, although it has yet to be specified where.
AS understand that the issue, which forced the 30-year-old to withdraw from the rest of the workout, is enough to rule him out of tomorrow’s clash at the Ali Sami Yen.
With Ramos suspended and Ricardo Carvalho not called up to the squad, it is expected that Jose Mourinho will turn to Raul Albiol to partner Raphael Varane at centre-back.
Madrid hold a 3-0 advantage heading into Tuesday evening’s clash in Istanbul.
