Madrid - Real Madrid's Mahamadou Diarra will be out of action for at least three months in the latest injury blow for the Spanish football champions, according to sports daily Marca on Friday.

Marca said that the Mali midfielder, 27, was examined by Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet in Lyon on Thursday, and that the specialist recommended artroscopic surgery on his damaged right knee.

Even more worrying for Real is the situation of Ruben de la Red, who is acutally considering the possibility of giving up fotball, at the age of 23, due to a worrying cardiac anomaly.

De la Red collapsed on the field at the start of the October 30 cup clash aganst Union Irun, was rushed to hospital - and has not played since.

"I know that I am in good hands," he told Real's website," and I feel well... But I am realistic, and I have to accept this situation calmly."

Real's other injury victims are Pepe, Gabriel Heinze, Wesley Sneijder and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

In addition, left-back Marcelo has a heavy cold and may miss Sunday's home game against Sevilla.

The good news for embattled coach Bernd Schuster is that Fabio Cannavaro, Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain are fit to return against Sevilla.

Real are currently fourth in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona. (dpa)