Zidane's groin adds to Real Madrid's worries

Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane will miss Wednesday's La Liga game against Deportivo La Coruna due to a groin injury.

The French star is also likely to miss Sunday's match against Betis Sevilla. The hope is for Zidane to be available for Real's Champions League contest next week.

"He's in pain and he can't manage to move well," Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said. "He feels pain when playing. I don't think he'll be playing against Seville on Saturday either."

Zidane was not named in Luxemburgo's squad for the midweek contest. Neither were Brazilians Ronaldo and Julio Baptista, who are both out for around a month with ankle and knee injuries respectively. Defender Michel Salgado is also doubtful for the game with a calf problem and midfielder Thomas Graveson is not available due to suspension.

"At the moment we are missing key players," Luxemburgo said. "Last year, in the (Champions League) knockout with Juventus we had the same problem. Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul and Owen weren't in the best shape. Just when you think that everything's ok, then the problems come."

But the good news for Luxemburgo is that midfielder David Beckham had his red card from Sunday's loss against Valencia rescinded. Beckham would have been forced to sit out if the decision Tuesday was different.

It was ruled that Beckham did not clap mockingly at the referee, a move that earned him a second caution in a matter of seconds. The clap occurred as Beckham was walking away from the referee and was viewed as an act that was not directed at the official.

Real heads into Wednesday's contest in third place in La Liga with 15 points from eight games. Deportivo has 10 points and sits in 12th.