Real Madrid confirm severe midfield injury blow

Real Madrid have confirmed Dani Ceballos suffered a sprained ankle during their 2-0 victory over Real Betis on Sunday evening.

The Spaniard was handed his first La Liga start of the season, supporting the attack of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo from an advanced midfield position before being withdrawn in the 65th minute for Brahim Diaz with the match still goalless.

Los Blancos would go on to win as Kylian Mbappe scored the first of his brace shortly after Ceballos' substitution, later adding another from the penalty spot for his first goals in Spain's top flight.

However, the win has come at a cost for Ceballos, who will now require treatment over the September international break and beyond. AS claim the 28-year-old could now be absent for six to eight weeks, which would see the former Arsenal loanee miss the start of the revamped Champions League.

The club's statement reads: "Following tests carried out today on our player Dani Ceballos by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a grade three sprain affecting the ligaments in his right ankle. Pending evolution."

Ceballos made 27 appearances in all competitions last season, the majority of which came as a substitute, and faces a tough task to get more minutes this term due to the presence of Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Luka Modric.

However, both Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are currently sidelined with injuries of their own, which had handed Ceballos the chance to start on Sunday night.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti is now without another midfielder and admitted he was fearing the damage the international break could do before Madrid resume their 2024/25 campaign.

Speaking to reporters after the Betis win, the Italian said: "The international break is not a good thing. We will lose players. I hope no injuries occur, I want the players to return fit."

READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP