Luka Modric joins Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Marcelo on the sidelines as Real Madrid continue to suffer critical injuries this season. In what will be a severe blow for Zinedine Zidane, the Croatian midfielder has picked up an ankle injury that will rule him out of the away fixture against Levante.
As highlighted by Cristiano Ronaldo in his controversial post-match comments on Sunday, Real Madrid’s struggles this season are largely down to the fact that key first-team players have continued to be absent due to successive injuries.
Modric Out, Bale Resumes Training
As reported by Marca, Zinedine Zidane revealed that Luka Modric would not be able to recover from his ankle injury in time for the away trip to Levante. However, the Frenchman was of the opinion that Gareth Bale’s injury was a ‘thing of the past’ as the Welshman steps up his efforts to make a comeback this weekend.
“I’m pleased because he [Gareth Bale] feels no discomfort and his injury is a thing of the past,” said Zidane.
“He’s a key player for Real Madrid. Of course, I don’t say that it’s a problem when he’s unavailable but I’d rather have him with us. Let’s see if he can play at the weekend.”
Sergio Ramos And Dani Carvajal suspended for the away fixture
To compound his miseries, Zidane will have to replace Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal, after the duo earned a one-match suspension in their derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. Nacho is expected to fill in for first-choice left-back Marcelo, while Pepe could make a comeback against Levante.
Meanwhile, Modric’s compatriot Mateo Kovacic is expected to start in midfield alongside Isco and Toni Kroos. With Benzema ruled out due to a hamstring injury, teenager Borja Mayoral could earn his first start for Real Madrid, despite his nondescript performance in the loss to Atletico. With six of his first team players injured, it will be interesting to see if Zinedine Zidane can improve his away record at Madrid since taking over the reins from Rafael Benitez.
