Benzema out for three weeks after injury in friendly match against Armenia

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after tests on Saturday revealed the France forward has suffered a muscle injury to his left leg. Benzema was injured during Les Bleus' 4-0 friendly win over Armenia in Nice on Thursday and returned to Spain to undergo further examination.

A statement from Real read: "Following tests carried out today on Karim Benzema by Real Madrid's medical services, a muscle injury in the biceps femoris in his left leg has been confirmed. His recovery will continue to be assessed." Benzema is now expected to miss La Liga games against Levante, Celta Vigo and Las Palmas as well as the Champions League double-header against Paris St. Germain.

His injury is a blow for Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez. Benzema, who scored twice in the win over Armenia to end a one-year goal drought with France, had been in sizzling form for Los Blancos. The 27-year-old is the leading scorer in La Liga and has scored seven goals in eight appearances in all competitions for Real this season.