MADRID - Real Madrid's already undermanned defence took another hit after scans showed Dani Carvajal has a left thigh muscle injury.

The Spanish club didn't say how long the Spain right back might be sidelined.

Madrid has been plagued by injuries, and last weekend it was without defenders Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, and Raphael Varane, meaning Danilo had to play out of position to fill in at left back.

Rafa Benitez's side is third in the Spanish league, six points behind leader Barcelona.

Its next match is at Cadiz on Wednesday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey round of 32.

Benitez says Marcelo won't be fit for Cadiz, but he may be back for Saturday's league match against Getafe.

For the trip to Cadiz, Benitez called up reserve team defenders Philipp Lienhart and Alvaro Tejero.

He decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, as well as Karim Benzema, who is set to speak on French television on Wednesday regarding his involvement in a blackmail investigation.

Madrid got back forward Jese Rodriguez from injury, and he will likely start in attack.