Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain will be absent for nearly a month, the La Liga side have confirmed.

The Argentinian has been in outstanding form this season and put in another impressive performance at the weekend, scoring one goal and setting up the other in a 2-0 reverse of Mallorca.

The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes on Sunday night, but tests today revealed he has sustained a left foot injury that will sideline him for around three weeks.

Higuain's injury comes as a big blow to Madrid, with the youngster having scored 11 goals in his last ten matches.

It should see more playing time given to Karim Benzema, who yesterday admitted to feeling somewhat frustrated with his current role as substitute at the Spanish giants.

Having already been knocked out of the Copa del Rey before Christmas, Real only have three more games in January, facing Athletic Bilbao and Deportivo away, as well as hosting Malaga.

Real, who will also be without injured playmaker Rafael van der Vaart, are two points behind leaders Barcelona at the top of the league.