Real Madrid suffer Luka Modric injury blow ahead of Osasuna, Manchester City clashes

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 28 April 2023

Real Madrid suffer Modric injury blow ahead of Osasuna, Man City clashes

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is facing a spell on the sidelines with the hamstring injury that he picked up against Girona on Tuesday.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has not been included in the squad for Saturday's La Liga clash with Almeria due to a hamstring injury that he picked up against Girona on Tuesday night.

The Croatia international was replaced in the 63rd minute of what proved to be a 4-2 loss for Carlo Ancelotti's side, and he was later seen with ice on his thigh, fuelling injury concerns.

Modric will not be involved in Real Madrid's league game against Almeria this weekend, while Ancelotti admitted that he was also a major doubt for the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on May 6.

There will also be major concern over his availability for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at home to Manchester City, which comes three days after the Copa del Rey final.

"He got injured against Girona and I don't know if he will make it to the cup final. We're hurting, hopefully, we'll have him for the important games that are left," Ancelotti said during his press conference on Friday.

Luka Modric in action for Real Madrid on September 14, 2022 © Reuters

"The one I see as the most similar in terms of characteristics is [Dani] Ceballos, but we have different resources in midfield. What can't be replaced is his experience in this type of situation."

Modric has again been a vital player for Real Madrid during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 44 occasions in all competitions, contributing six goals and six assists in the process.

The 37-year-old's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of June, although it is believed that he has come to an agreement over a one-year extension in the capital.

Modric has scored four goals and registered three assists in 28 La Liga outings this term, with Los Blancos second in the table, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid's Luka Modric in action with Barcelona's Sergio Busquets on March 2, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, the Croatian has played an important role in the team's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, scoring twice and providing one assist in eight appearances.

Modric has also featured on three occasions in the Copa del Rey this term, providing assists against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals and Barcelona in the semi-finals.

The midfielder is one of three players currently on the sidelines for Real Madrid through injury, with Ferland Mendy and David Alaba also out with calf and hamstring problems respectively.

However, Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard have recovered from minor issues to make the squad against Almeria, while Thibaut Courtois is also back after a stomach illness.

Real Madrid have lost three of their last six league games, which has allowed Barcelona to remain comfortably clear at the top of the division despite their recent wobble.