Cicinho hit with serious knee injury.

Real Madrid right back Cicinho ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Madrid gave no details of his expected recovery time, but news reports Sunday said Cicinho is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months.

The Brazil international will undergo surgery on Monday, the club said.

Cicinho was injured when he twisted his knee after being hit by the ball in the 29th minute of Madrid's 1-0 league win over Real Betis on Saturday.

Cicinho's absence will allow Madrid to sign a replacement even though the transfer window closed last month. FIFA rules permit long-term injured players to be replaced.

Madrid signed Cicinho from Sao Paulo in January 2006 for a fee of €6 million (US$7.7 million) after he helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup the previous year.

The 26-year-old defender will miss his first match on Tuesday, when Madrid hosts Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.

Madrid also gave medical details about David Beckham and Roberto Carlos.

Beckham, who has been on the bench for Madrid's last two games, has tonsillitis and has been advised to rest. Roberto Carlos' left sinus has been stitched after he was elbowed in the face by Betis defender Juanito Gutierrez in Saturday's game.