Real Madrid face defensive crisis as Raphael Varane ruled out of Liverpool game with Covid-19

French defender looks set to also miss Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona and the return leg at Anfield next week

Raphael Varane has been integral to Real Madrid's upturn in form in recent months. AFP

Real Madrid will be without either of their first-choice central defenders for Tuesday's Uefa Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool after Raphael Varane tested positive for Covid-19.

Madrid are already without their injured captain Sergio Ramos, meaning Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao are the only fit central defenders left in Zinedine Zidane's squad for the game in the Spanish capital later on Tuesday.

"Real Madrid C. F. informs that our player Raphael Varane tested positive in the COVID-19 test he underwent this morning," a club statement read.

Varane's absence comes at the worst possible time for Madrid, with the Frenchman also expected to miss Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona and the return leg against Liverpool at Anfield next week.

Varane has been a key part of Real Madrid's upturn in form in recent weeks, which has seen the team go 11 games unbeaten and move to within three points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona are just a point behind Atletico, with the Clasico at Valdebebas this weekend set to mark a crucial point in the Spanish title race.

Madrid have had six positive cases of Covid-19 this season, Varane following Militao, Eden Hazard, Casemiro, Luka Jovic and Nacho in catching the virus.