Real Madrid confirmed the absence of French defender Rafael Faran for the upcoming Chelsea match, following confirmation of his leg muscle injury.

Farran's injury is a major shock to the team ahead of his fiery showdown with English side Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semi-final round, next Wednesday.

The knockout, at the Valdepas Stadium, ended in a tie for goal for each team, and Real Madrid needed to win by more than one goal in order to secure qualification for the final of the European Championship.

Faran came out of the first leg to face Real Madrid against Osasuna on Saturday, which the Royals won by two goals without a reply, being injured to confirm his absence from Stamford Bridge.

In an official statement, Real Madrid said: "Following tests on our player Rafael Faran today by the Real Madrid Medical Service, he was diagnosed with a right rounded muscle injury."

Faran's injury is a major blow to Almergui, who is in fierce contests for the Spanish title and is awaiting a pivotal showdown against Seville next Sunday.

Eder Mellitau and Nacho Fernandez are likely to form a central defensive partnership against Chelsea/having excelled while Faran was recently absent due to a positive test for "Covid-19."

Sergio Ramos is also close to getting back fit after a hamstring injury, but it would be a surprise to bring the 35-year-old back against Chelsea, more than a month after his absence.