MADRID, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid suffered a major injury blow on Saturday after German central defender Antonio Rudiger injured his right hamstring.

The German international was forced out in the 13th minute of his side's surprise 1-0 defeat to Espanyol.

"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," the club announced on Sunday.

Although no timeframe was given for his recovery, hamstring injuries typically require at least three weeks of treatment. That makes it likely Rudiger will miss his team's second La Liga Madrid derby of the season against Atletico Madrid next weekend. Real Madrid then visits Manchester City on February 11 in the first leg of the play-offs for a last-16 place, with the return leg a week later. Rudiger is set to miss all three high-profile matches.

The setback comes at a particularly difficult time for Real Madrid, who already lost Eder Militao to a season-ending knee injury and has David Alaba still working his way back from a similar problem over a year ago.

Rudiger has been crucial this season, starting 34 of his side's 36 matches so far - totaling 2,891 minutes - making him the most used outfield player in the squad, ahead of Fede Valverde with 2,847 minutes. Enditem

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