Madrid's James Rodriguez breaks foot

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has broken a bone in his right foot and will undergo surgery on Thursday.

Madrid said on its club website that medical tests revealed Rodriguez has a "fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot" and that he will be operated on "in the next few hours."

Rodriguez suffered the injury after scoring the opening goal in Madrid's 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Spanish league on Wednesday. He was substituted in the first half after doctors examined his foot on the sideline.

The 23-year-old Rodriguez quickly became a first-choice midfielder for coach Carlo Ancelotti after his arrival from Monaco following his outstanding World Cup with Colombia when he was the top scorer with six goals and helped his country reach the quarterfinals.

He has played in 33 of Madrid's 36 games this season, scoring 12 goals and assisting on 10 more for teammates.

Madrid leads the Spanish league and visits defending champion Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Madrid has also reached the knockout rounds of the Champions League as it seeks to defend its European title. It begins its round-of-16 tie at Schalke on Feb. 18.

-SAPA