Kaka is set to be missing for Real Madrid until the New Year.

AS says Real coach Manuel Pellegrini has already agreed with the medical staff to leave Kaka out of his squad for the Champions League tie with Olympique Marseille so not to aggravate his groin injury.

And he isn't expected to reappear until after the winter break on January 3.

A Real insider said: "Kaka is an important player for this project and we are not going to risk him for a couple of games. If he rests and heals well, he will be like new for next year."