Real Madrid has been left counting the cost of the international break after a number of its players reported back with injuries, notably left-backs Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao.
Brazil's Marcelo broke a metatarsal while training for his country's friendly against
The draw between
Benzema, whose replacement
But Arbeloa, along with Manchester City's
The issues facing Marcelo are different as he embarks on a recovery process expected to take several months, but he remains in good spirits.
The 24-year-old told Realmadrid.com: "I am so happy to get all these messages supporting me from the fans. I had no idea so many people cared so much about me and I am really grateful to everyone.
"I want to make a full recovery so that I can bring more joy to the fans. I am going to do everything properly to return to play with the team.
"This is not enough to get anyone down, least of all me. It's happened, I can't change it but now I have to work hard to get back to playing.
"At first I was a little glum, but when I got home and saw my wife and child I felt a lot better. These things happen and you have to keep your chin up and keep going. I hope this will be the first and the last time it happens."
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