Real Madrid defender Pepe is facing a month out of action with a rib injury sustained in the Copa del Rey against rivals Atletico Madrid last week, according to AS.
Pepe, 31, was substituted an hour into the 2-2 draw in the second leg of the last-16 tie -- which Atletico won 4-2 on aggregate -- after he clashed with Raul Garcia when competing for a cross from Koke.
The Portugal international was taken to hospital that evening, where tests revealed a muscle tear in his right rib area.
Pepe, who was replaced by Raphael Varane at the Santiago Bernabeu, has been told to rest by club medics.
He is set to miss five La Liga matches, including the trip to face reigning champions Atletico on Feb. 7, but could return for the first leg of Madrid's Champions League last-16 tie at Schalke on Feb. 18.