Real Madrid's Pepe Ruled Out Of Malaga Clash

Spanish giants Real Madrid have received some disappointing news in the build-up toward the Primera Division match against relegation candidates Malaga, with defender Pepe likely to miss Thursday's clash through injury.

Head coach Jose Mourinho will have to make do without the services of his highly-rated stopper, with the Portuguese international struck down with a bout of flu.

According to a report by publication Marca, the 28-year-old centre-back missed Wednesday's training session due to illness and won't have recovered in time to feature in tomorrow's fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Sami Khedira and Gonzalo Higuain will also miss the match against Malaga due to injury, while defender Ezequiel Garay is doubtful, too.