OFFICIAL: Pepe diagnosed with bruised ribs

Last night, after the game against Atlético de Madrid, Pepe was taken to hospital with severe pain on his ribs. Many people conjectured that he could have a fracture and that he would, therefore, be out of the fields for at least three weeks. However, as Real Madrid have reported this morning, our #3's ribs are only bruised and so we should be a bit more optimistic about his recovery.

In any case, Real Madrid need to make the best out of Pepe's unfortunate injury. Raphaël Varane will take his spot against Getafe and will keep coupling with Sergio Ramos, at least, until the Portuguese is fully recovered. It is a great chance for Rafa to show his best football with continuity and prove that he deserves to be a regular starter for Real Madrid, as many people claim. It will be a difficult task, as Pepe had been, in my opinion, Real Madrid's best defender this season, but I strongly believe that Varane has what it takes to earn the spot, like he did in the 2012-2013 season.