Real Madrid have been rocked by the news that defender Pepe has been ruled out for up to six months after twisting his knee during Los Blancos’ 3-2 win over Valencia.

Pepe fell awkwardly in the second half after attempting to clear the ball with a header and had to be stretchered off immediately.

Following early tests it is feared that the Brazilian centre-back has suffered ligament damage, meaning he faces up to six months on the treatment table.

Real doctors also fear that should Pepe’s meniscus be damaged, it could spell the end of his season with the opportunity to participate in next summer’s World Cup gravely in doubt.

Ironically, it was Pepe’s replacement Ezequiel Garay scored the late winner for Los Merengues who kept up the pressure on La Liga league leaders Barcelona with a thrilling 3-2 win.

The injury could even place the Portuguese international's World Cup place in doubt for next summer's finals in South Africa.