Two key players are injured for Real Madrid

Real Madrid made an announcement that both Thibaut Courtois and Marcelo are injured and will take some time out for recovery.

The Belgian goalkeeper picked up the injury to his groin on Sunday when Real Madrid faced Real Betis and lost with 2-1. He was seen leaving the stadium with a protective bandage around his thigh.

Courtois will go under tests to determine the extent of the injury on Tuesday.

There is a doubt that he will play in the the Champions League last 16 tie at the Etihad on March 17. Of course we can't be sure until the results of the tests don't come up, but we are sure that he will miss at least two of the next games.

Meanwhile, Marcelo also got injured and this time he is dealing with a left hamstring issue. He will also go under medical treatment on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury.

Marcelo played in the game against Real Betis and before the hour mark Zidane saw the need to replace him with Ferland Mendy.

Real Madrid only came up with the announcement of the both injured player, but they did not offer us an indication as to how long the duo will be out of play. Several media reports claim that both Courtois and Marcelo will miss the clash with Manchester City next Tuesday.

Courtois injury could see him replaced in goal for the first time in more than a month as he hasn't missed a game since 7 December. In goal for Real Madrid probably we will see Alphonse Areola, while the Brazilian Marcelo will be replaced with Ferland Mendy.

The game next Tuesday is very important for Zidane's side as they have one goal deficit.

At first they took the lead against City at the Santiago Bernabeu on February 26, but then Gabriel Jesus equalised the scoreline. It was Kevin De Bruyne who sealed City's crucial away victory as he scored from the spot.