Real Madrid have confirmed that club captain Sergio Ramos has undergone a knee operation and is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

The 34-year-old has missed Madrid's last four matches in all competitions through injury, and it had been unclear when the Spain international would recover from the issue.

Los Blancos have now revealed that Ramos has undergone surgery after advice from medical staff, although it is thought that he could potentially return to action within the next eight weeks.

"Our captain Sergio Ramos successfully underwent an operation today for an injury to the internal meniscus of his left knee," read a statement from Madrid.

"The surgery was carried out by Dr. Manuel Leyes, under the supervision of the Real Madrid medical staff. Sergio Ramos will begin the recovery process in the next few days."

The centre-back's long-term future at the Bernabeu is unclear as his contract is due to expire this summer, and Manchester United are among the clubs to be linked with his services.