Luka Modric is a doubt for Real Madrid's Champions League games with Manchester City next month after picking up a thigh injury while playing for the Spanish side.
The Croatian midfielder, who is also expected to miss the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna, will be 'monitored' by the La Liga giants amid a busy period in the season. Madrid will be desperate for the 37-year-old to return in time for their Champions League semi-final against City on May 9 and May 17.
The reigning Spanish champions confirmed the news on Friday in a short statement that said the knock would be monitored, which comes as a major blow to manager Carlo Ancelotti. Modric has made 44 appearances in all competitions this season, registering six goals and six assists.
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"Following tests carried out on Luka Modrić by the Real Madrid Medical Services, an injury to the back of his left thigh has been diagnosed. His progress will be monitored," the statement read.
He has won five Champions League trophies with Los Blancos, and reports suggest the former Tottenham man could be sidelined for around two weeks. The midfield ace will almost certainly miss Madrid's La Liga matches against Almeria and Real Sociedad on Saturday and Tuesday, and he is facing a race against time to be fit for the Copa del Rey final on May 6.
Ancelotti's side reached the semi-finals of the Champions League after overcoming Chelsea across two legs, while Pep Guardiola's men cruised past German giants Bayern Munich. The Blues are chasing a famous treble this season, and should they get past Madrid, City will be confident about defeating either AC Milan and Inter Milan in the final.
While Modric's injury comes at a nightmare time for the La Liga side, they are expected to be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who missed the 4-2 loss to Girona through illness. Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba have both returned to training.
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