Sergio Ramos has undergone knee surgery, Real Madrid confirmed. The club's captain faces up to two months out of action.
What happened?
Ramos had surgery on a meniscus injury, which he suffered during the Supercopa de Espana on January 14.
The 34-year-old has been out since playing the full 90 minutes of their 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao.
Why it matters for Sergio Ramos
In his absence, Zinedine Zidane's side suffered a humiliating Copa del Rey exit to Alcoyano and lost 2-1 to Levante in LaLiga.
Real Madrid have won just 40 percent of matches without Ramos compared with 61 per cent when he has played.
What comes next?
Ramos is almost certain to miss both legs of the Champions League last-16 tie with Atalanta and the derby with LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid on March 7.
After taking on Huesca, Madrid face Getafe, Valencia and Real Valladolid before the first leg of the European tie with Atalanta in Bergamo on February 24.
The veteran Spain international scored 11 goals in 35 appearances in LaLiga last season as he inspired his side to the title.
His future beyond this term remains unclear, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United reportedly interested in signing him.
Ramos has managed only two goals in 14 league games in 2020-21, and his absence has been felt by the team, with Madrid's average possession dropping from 63.1 percent to 56 percent without him.