Real Madrid: Raphael Varane to miss Spanish cup final

Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane will miss Friday's Spanish cup final derby with Atletico Madrid because he needs knee surgery.

Varane, 20, hurt his leg in the 1-1 draw with Espanyol that confirmed Barcelona as Spanish league champions.

"The tests today have revealed an injury to the meniscus. They are going to operate on me as soon as possible," the France international tweeted.

Varane has edged out Pepe this season in the centre of defence for Real.

Ex-Lens player Varane is expected to be out for four to six weeks after stumbling awkwardly while making a tackle, meaning he will miss his club's final two league fixtures as well as the upcoming Copa del Rey clash.

Varane is also unlikely to be fit for France's tour of South America - they will play Uruguay on 5 June and Brazil on 9 June.

The youngster was recently praised by head coach Jose Mourinho after 31-year-old Portugal international Pepe appeared to criticise the Real boss and his decision to drop club captain Iker Casillas.

"It is easy to analyse the Pepe thing. His problem has a name, and it is Raphael Varane," the 50-year-old said.