Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger suffered a hamstring injury in a 1-0 defeat by Espanyol and faces a spell on the sidelines ahead of a crucial week in their season.

The LaLiga giants did not provide a timeline for the return of the centre-back, who left the pitch in the 15th minute of Saturday's match.

Carlos Romero struck a late winner to condemn Madrid to defeat, with their lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of the table now standing at just a single point.

Diario AS reported Rudiger would be out of action for at least 17 days, ruling him out of a Copa del Rey quarter-final against Leganes, a huge league clash with rivals Atletico and the first leg of a Champions League knockout phase play-off against Manchester City.

"Following tests carried out on Antonio Rudiger by Real Madrid's medical services, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg. His progress will be monitored," Real said in a statement on Sunday.

Madrid visit Leganes on Wednesday, before hosting second-placed Atletico on Saturday and then travelling to England to face City on February 11.