MADRID — Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro has a small fracture on his left fibula and is expected to be sidelined for about a month.

The Spanish club said the break was diagnosed on Thursday, four days after he had to be substituted in the 2-0 win at Espanyol.

The Brazilian had already missed the 1-1 home draw against Villarreal on Wednesday and is expected to be out of action in three more matches, against Las Palmas and Eibar in the Spanish league and against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

He will also not play for Brazil in World Cup qualifying next month.

Madrid will also likely be without left back Marcelo for a few weeks after the Brazilian pulled a muscle in the game against Villarreal. Tests will be conducted on Friday.