Luka Modric injury: Progress & potential return date for Real Madrid star
By Euan Burns
The football world will stop when Real Madrid and Manchester City do battle in their Champions League semi-final, with the winner of that tie due to face either AC Milan or Inter in the final in Istanbul.
The magnitude of that tie means neither coach will want to be without any of their best players, but news out of Spain suggests Los Blancos could find themselves in that exact situation when the first leg rolls around.
Here is the latest we know about Luka Modric's fitness as the Spanish champions gear up for their toughest test of the season.
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What injury does Luka Modric have?
Tuesday's match against Girona in La Liga has proved to be even more costly than expected for Real. Not only did Los Blancos lose 4-2, with Valentin Castellanos scoring all four of the tenth-placed side's goals, but they also lost Modric to injury.
The knock is described by Real as a 'left leg injury', which at least suggests it's not anything overly serious such as a groin or hamstring strain.
“The truth is that Modric picked up a small injury in Girona, he’s awaiting his progress and I don’t know if he’s going to make it to the cup final,” Carlo Ancelotti said in his press conference. “Clearly we are hurt but in football it can happen.”
The blow to the team is evident given Modric has played 44 times for Real this season. His ability to dictate tempo and release the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo down the wings is crucial.
Ancelotti must now find a player to replace Modric in the starting XI and he was asked which of his midfield options would be the best suited to do that. “In terms of characteristics it’s [Dani] Ceballos. But we have different resources,” the Real Madrid manager added. “We have very good midfielders: Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde...I have midfielders of the highest level.”
Which games could Luka Modric miss?
The Man City game is the one on the minds of Real fans, but there is more than just that match to consider. Modric is certainly going to miss the La Liga clash against Almeria on Saturday, but he is also ruled out of the Copa del Rey final.
Real Madrid are up against Osasuna in that final after knocking Barcelona out emphatically in the semi-final. The game is on May 6 but Ancelotti's side will hope to navigate it safely without Modric.
The next game is the Champions League semi-final first leg against City. The club have not ruled Modric out of that game so it's clear he is aiming to return for it. It will be a really tough ask, though, and his absence could be a welcome boost for City.
Losing Modric's experience and UCL knowhow would be a real issue for Real, who do not have another player like him. Ceballos is a very capable midfielder but pales in comparison to Ballon d'Or winner.
It is even more of a blow considering Real Madrid are at home in the first leg, where they will hope to win to set them up for the trip to England.