David Alaba has suffered a thigh injury, Real Madrid said on Tuesday, in the latest worry for the team's defence ahead of a crucial run of games.

Real Madrid’s problems on defense have been compounded by a muscle injury to David Alaba. Alaba has “an adductor injury in his left leg,” the club said on Tuesday. Spanish media said Alaba was expected to be out for two to three weeks,

The 32-year-old Austria international only returned to action in January after 399 days out injured with an ACL injury.

Real Madrid have filed a complaint over the refereeing in their La Liga defeat to Espanyol, claiming the game had “a level of manipulation and adulteration which cannot be ignored”. The European champions were beaten 1-0 by Espanyol on Saturday. They remain top of La Liga having won 15 of their opening 22 fixtures.

Real Madrid have filed a formal complaint with the RFEF and Spain's CSD over the refereeing in Saturday's defeat at Espanyol.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make at least four changes to his starting line up when the La Liga leader takes on Espanyol in Cornella on Saturday evening.