MADRID, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez will be out of action for at least three more weeks after the club confirmed he has suffered a twisted knee ligament.

The Colombian midfielder has not played for Real Madrid since October 19 when he took part in his side's 1-0 defeat to Mallorca. Despite not playing or training for his club he reported for duty with his country in the current international break only to pull out of a training session with his national team and subsequently return to Madrid.

The Real Madrid website explained that "following the tests carried out today on our player, James Rodriguez, by the Real Madrid medical department, he has been diagnosed with a sprain to the internal ligament of his left knee."

"His recovery will continue to be assessed," confirmed the club, although the injury means James could miss at least six games at a key stage of the season for his team.