Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of action for at least two weeks with a groin strain, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.

GettyImagesKarim Benzema seems certain to miss the upcoming international break as he recuperates

Benzema, 23, picked up the injury in Tuesday's Champions League victory over Ajax and will miss Real's clash with Espanyol this Sunday, as well as France's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Mourinho said Benzema will likely still be a doubt for the visit of Real Betis to the Bernabeu on October 15, with the former Lyon striker more likely to return to face his old side in the Champions League three days later.

"[Benzema] is injured and cannot play," Mourinho said. "He has an injury that will keep him out for a couple of weeks. He will miss the Espanyol game and possibly Betis too."

Gonzalo Higuain is likely to step into the breach in Benzema's absence, with Mourinho delighted that he can call on the Argentina star, who is still on the comeback trail after a series of injuries over the past 12 months.

"[Higuain] started a week ago against Rayo and scored," Mourinho said. "It is difficult to compare a player like Benzema, who had a fantastic pre-season, with another who came back from complicated surgery and had a non-existent pre-season.

"Higuain's statistics are excellent on the field and our opponents know he has goals in him."