From correspondents in Madrid, Spain, 04:00 PM IST

Spanish giants Real Madrid announced that playmaker Kaka will miss Tuesday's Champions League showdown at Olympique Marseille.

Kaka, 27, has been out of action for a week with a groin strain. Real need to avoid a three-goal defeat in Marseille to qualify for the knockout stage for the 13th consecutive season.

Their other injury victims are Christoph Metzelder, Guti and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)