Portuguese international Pepe, a regular member of Real's backline, faces six months on the sidelines after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee earlier this month.

Reports said the Spanish giants might sign a new defender in the January transfer window.

"There is a lot of talk, but the center backs have to prove to the coach that we are able to take on this situation and to help the team," Garay told a press conference.

"It is a vote of confidence so that they don’t sign anyone."

Garay, who spent last season on loan at Racing Santander, made his Real debut in the opening game of the season against Deportivo La Coruna in August.