Ramos faces three-week lay off

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is unlikely to play again this year due to a knee injury but should return in the New Year.

Having undergone tests on Saturday, Ramos was diagnosed as having sprained a ligament in his right knee, with the expected time of recovery being between "two to three weeks", according to a medical statement on the Madrid website.

That would mean the Spanish World Cup winner will miss Madrid's final three competitive fixtures of 2010 - the Primera Division matches against Real Zaragoza and his former club Sevilla, as well as the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie with Levante.

Madrid's first game back after Christmas will be the derby clash at Getafe on the first weekend of January.