Helguera injury blow

Helguera is a key player for Real and Spain

Spanish international and Real Madrid midfielder Ivan Helguera is set to be sidelined for about two months.

Helguera broke a bone in his foot during Real's defeat in the friendly against Inter Milan and he left the Bernabeu on crutches after the match.

He suffered the injury 10 minutes from the end of the game which saw the Spanish champions lose the third of their last pre-season matches.

Helguera has been one of his side's key players in recent seasons and this setback also deals a blow to the Spanish national team.

The midfielder is suspended for the international World Cup qualifier against Austria but he is also set to miss Spain's final group seven game in Liechtenstein on 5 September.