It's been a difficult start to the new season in terms of injuries for Real Madrid and it is about to get even more challenging with Marcelo and Casemiro's respective absences likely to hurt the club significantly.
Both players are key elements in Zinedine Zidane's system at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with the former Sao Paulo midfielder used as a fantastic shielding presence in front of the defensive line.
Casemiro underwent tests on Thursday and he will be out significantly longer than his national compatriot with it revealed he suffered a fracture in the middle of his left fibula.
Marcelo on the other hand will take the same tests on Friday to determine the length of his absence however it isn't thought he will miss any more than the next three fixtures in all competitions.
He has suffered a small fibre tear in his right calf with the clash against Athletic Club on October 23 the most realistic return date for the left-back.
One of the factors that have the potential to make these injuries all the more damaging for the team is the fact there is no like for like replacement at either position.
At present Toni Kroos looks the most likely to return to the deeper midfield role where he is effective but he certainly doesn't welcome playing so deep.
Fabio Coentrao is struggling with fitness issues of his own after a serious muscle injury suffered during his loan spell with Monaco last season.
The Portuguese full-back would be the natural replacement for Marcelo but at the moment it looks as if Nacho or Danilo will be forced to deputise with Coentrao not scheduled to return until the middle of October.
