Real Madrid [ Images ] defender Raul Albiol has damaged ankle ligaments and will be sidelined for four to five weeks, the club said on its website (www.realmadrid.com) on Wednesday.

The Spain international had a scan on his right ankle after picking up the injury in Real's 1-1 friendly draw against Standard Liege in Belgium on Tuesday.

Albiol's absence narrows new manager Jose Mourinho's options in the centre of defence for the start of the La Liga [ Images ] campaign away to Real Mallorca [ Images ] on Aug. 28/29.

Ezequiel Garay and Pepe are also injured which leaves new arrival Ricardo Carvalho [ Images ] and right back Sergio Ramos [ Images ] as a likely stand-in pairing at centre back.

Real's next pre-season outing is at promoted Hercules on Sunday.