Real Madrid already looking for winter substitute for Diarra

According to the digital version of Marca on Monday evening, the Spanish champions are already "looking for a solution" for his absence.

 Diarra has become a key player in the tactical scheme of coach Bernd Schuster, and will miss five "Liga" matches and two King's Cup matches because of his Mali commitments.

 The natural substitute for Diarra is Argentine Fernando Gago, who has never been first choice at Real since joining from Boca Juniors 10 months ago.

 Reserves Julio Baptista and Royston Drenthe are the other alternatives to Diarra.

 The only consolation for Real is that their rivals in La Liga will also be without key players due to the African tournament.

 Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute will also be playing for Mali in January, whilst Barcelona hit man Samuel Eto'o will be leading the Cameroon attack, the same as in 2006.