Pepe sidelined for fortnight

Real Madrid defender Pepe is set to miss the next two weeks for his side with a hamstring problem, according to a report.

The 28-year-old was the centre of attention in Wednesday’s Clasico clash, receiving wide-spread criticism for his boisterous performance that included an alleged stamp on Lionel Messi’s hand.

The Portuguese defender was substituted during the game with a hamstring strain, although Jose Mourinho was unhappy with his player’s performance after his poor marking allowed Carles Puyol to get the Catalan side back on level terms.

Taking the knock and Pepe’s performance into consideration, Jose Mourinho looks set to take his compatriot out of the firing line for the next fortnight according to Spanish daily Marca.

This will mean the player is likely to miss the the Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg at Camp Nou, as well as his side’s league clashes with Athletic Bilbao, Real Zaragoza and Getafe.