MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso could be out for up to three months after breaking a bone in his foot during training, the Spanish football club confirmed on Wednesday.

"Xabi Alonso has today suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, x-rays carried out by the club's medical staff have revealed," said a statement on Real's website.

Although the club didn't specify an expected recovery period, Spanish media reported that Alonso will be out for three months.

The former Liverpool man had only recently returned to training following an operation on a groin injury that prevented him from taking part in the Confederations Cup in June, and wasn't included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for his first competitive match against Real Betis on Sunday due to a lack of match practice.

And the 31-year-old now seems set to miss Spain's three remaining World Cup qualifiers, the majority of Madrid's Champions League group stage campaign and the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona in La Liga on Oct 26.