James Rodriguez Injury: Real Madrid Star Injures Leg Muscle vs. Eibar

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez is set for a spell on the sidelines after he suffered a muscle strain in the 1-1 draw against Eibar on Sunday.

Per Los Blancos' official website, he suffered a Grade 1 tear to the soleus muscle of his left leg.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane will be forced to re-evaluate his midfield options as a result of the setback, with Rodriguez now likely to miss out on the upcoming fixtures against Real Betis and Legia Warsaw.

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The Colombia international was far from a key figure at the Santiago Bernabeu last season, starting in just 21 of his 32 appearances across all competitions.

Rodriguez's start to the 2015-16 season was also delayed by injury, and the 25-year-old will now be held back once again in attempting to carve out the reputation he desires as a Real favourite.

During his absence, it's likely Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to patrol Los Blancos' wings. But Marco Asensio may now be in line to benefit from his team-mate's spell on the sidelines. The 20-year-old youngster has started the season in excellent form and has been the main reason for Rodriguez's lack of involvement—and his playing time will only improve if the latter's injury is serious.