Real Madrid are having a difficult season in terms of injuries. The Whites started the season with the long-term injuries of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao. The defense was further weakened by the absence of Rüdiger, Alaba and Lucas Vázquez for several weeks. Just when everything seemed to be returning to normal, except for the long-term injuries, the situation has become complicated again.
Ceballos out for two months
In a chance collision with Takefusa Kubo, Ceballos was left lying on the pitch with clear signs of pain. The midfielder asked to be substituted, but there were no substitutions left, so Madrid had to finish the game with ten players. The player, accompanied by the club’s medical services, broke down in tears once the referee had blown the final whistle. He went straight to the dressing room tunnel.
The extent of the injury, which was already expected to be more than just a knock, is an injury to the semimembranosus muscle affecting the tendon of the left leg that will keep him out of action for around two months. The results of the scans confirmed the bad news: “After the tests carried out today on our player Dani Ceballos by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the semimembranosus muscle affecting the tendon of his left leg. Pending evolution,” the statement said.
Valverde’s injury is more serious than it seemed
The bad news keeps on coming. Fede Valverde was not in the squad for the match against Real Sociedad in what seemed to be a simple rest due to accumulated minutes. However, it has now been revealed that he has picked up an injury and may not be available for the match against Real Betis and would be pushing it to be fit for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Atlético de Madrid, but the priority is for him to recover so that there is no relapse. According to Relevo, Fede Valverde has been suffering from discomfort in his hamstring that goes beyond simple overuse.
For Carlo Ancelotti he is a fundamental piece, as the data reflects. The Uruguayan has played a total of 3,387 minutes, as Transfermarkt points out. Of the 40 games in which he has participated, he was only substituted in 7. His physique, dedication and versatility make him an essential player for Real Madrid. His departure from the team means losing a player who gives his all. But having more than a week’s rest will surely allow Real Madrid to get the most out of the Uruguayan in this difficult part of the season.
Green light for Mbappé
The other side of the coin is Kylian Mbappé. His tooth seems to have given him a break and he is now available. Mbappé has spent three days in a lot of pain. The Frenchman could not be against Real Sociedad, suffering from an ailment that had him practically sleepless the night before. But this Thursday he is back to normal. It still bothers him slightly, but he can now work with the group. So, barring a last-minute surprise, Mbappé will be at the Villamarín.