Real Madrid defender Pepe will miss one month after having arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle Wednesday, the club announced.

The 29-year-old is already serving a suspension for Real Sociedad's visit to the Bernabeu on Sunday, and just returned from his winter break in Portugal.

"Pepe, after feeling discomfort in his right ankle and having a medical examination, had a consultation with Dr Van Dijk in Porto," said the statement on realmadrid.com read. "An ankle arthroscopy has been performed on the player."

The Portugal international has been a near ever-present at the back for Real this season as Jose Mourinho's men strive to close a 16-point gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona.

The defender now faces a struggle to return to action for the capital club's Champions League last-16 meeting with Manchester United on Feb. 13.