The capital club said that Albiol sustained an ankle injury during Tuesday's friendly draw with Standard Liege.

Center-half Pepe has been injured last week as well and is doubtful for the Spanish league opener against Real Mallorca this month.

Moreover, Ezequiel Garay is out for two months with a knee-cap problem.

This leaves new signing Ricardo Carvalho as the only fit and recognized center-half in Jose Mourinho's squad.