Pepe in doubt for Barcelona clash

Real Madrid could be without defender Pepe for the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Barcelona due to injury.

The Portuguese centre-back picked up a thigh injury during last Saturday’s 2-1 La Liga win over Real Mallorca, and was forced to sit out Monday’s squad training due to the problem.

Pepe stated earlier this week that he would be willing to feature in a holding midfielder role in order to contain Barcelona star Lionel Messi, but Madrid have now confirmed on their official website that the 28-year-old is undergoing treatment for a contusion.

It is not yet known whether Pepe will be fully match fit in time for the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.