MADRID: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is expected to be sidelined for up to a month because of a right leg muscle injury.

The Frenchman will miss upcoming Spanish league games and next week's return match against Roma in the Champions League. Madrid won the first leg 2-0 in Rome.

Benzema should be fit again in time for the Spanish league match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on April 2.

Madrid did not say exactly how long the player is expected to be sidelined, noting that "his recovery will continue to be assessed."

Benzema had missed the game against Malaga a week ago because of a back problem. He was substituted at halftime in Madrid's 1-0 home loss to Atletico Madrid because of the muscle injury