Real Madrid confirm Iker Casillas likely to face lengthy spell out with injury

Iker Casillas' injury will keep him out for six to eight weeks, a statement by Real Madrid has revealed.

The Spanish goalkeeper was substituted off in the 15th minute of Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Valencia in the Copa del Rey after Alvaro Arbeloa accidentally kicked his hand, and the club have now confirmed that Casillas has fractured a bone in his hand.

A statement from the club said: "After completing the first X-ray tests at the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja it has been confirmed that the player Iker Casillas suffered a fracture at the base of his first metacarpal of his left hand."

Alfonso del Corral, Madrid's former head of medical services, spoke to Marca and suggested that Casillas would miss around two months of action: "Less than two months is difficult. A football goalkeeper must be able to fall on his hand and face shots at more than 100 kilometres per hour. He must let his hands strengthen without any type of risk."

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez refused to respond to questions on whether the club would sign a replacement in the January transfer window. Antonio Adan will currently deputise, although there are question marks over the keeper, with the number two being at fault for Valencia's goal on Wednesday.

Casillas was one of a number of Real Madrid players who had reportedly threatened to leave the club if José Mourinho continued as manager, although the story has been vehemently denied by the club.