Eziquiel Garay is hoping Real Madrid do not acquire a new defender in the January transfer window, as it would mean that the club trusts in him.

Garay is looking forward to the challenge of replacing Pepe, and is keen to make the starting place in the back four his.

"I'm very sad about Pepe's injury because he's a great team-mate and a great person. Until now Pepe and [Raul] Albiol were playing were doing very well. Now, Pepe's injury means the chance to see if I can have a place in the team," he told AS.

"If the club does not make a signing that would be a very big vote of confidence for me. Now I have to prove that I am able to play not necessarily as a central defender.

"I just want to be on the field. I do not play on the right or left. I can feel better by the right, but I played for Racing for a full year left."