Real Madrid suffer new injury blow as star forward is ruled out for up to a month

Real Madrid have revealed that striker Joselu has sustained an ankle injury and he is likely to be ruled out until the international break.

The 33-year-old has proven useful to Madrid of late and is their only recognised senior option at centre forward, but Carlo Ancelotti will have to get by without the veteran striker for a few weeks.

Joselu has sustained a problem in his ankle and reports from Spain indicate he will be out until late March, around the time of the next international break. Madrid hope he could be available just before then, with their trip to Osasuna on March 16 seen as a possible return date if his recovery goes well.

A statement from Madrid on Friday read: "After the tests carried out on our player Joselu by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with bone edema in his right ankle. Evolution is pending."

Madrid's lengthy injury list already includes the likes of Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois, while Eduardo Camavinga is also unavailable for Sunday's visit of Sevilla through suspension.

Joselu returned to Los Blancos during the summer transfer window on loan from Espanyol, who were relegated from La Liga at the end of last season. His 16 goals in 34 games weren't enough to save the Catalan side from the drop and Madrid pounced quickly to secure his services.

In 35 matches for Madrid across all competitions this season, Joselu has registered 13 goals and four assists.

Fitness pending, Joselu is also expected to be named in Spain's final squad for this summer's Euro 2024 in Germany - the country of his birth.

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