Real Madrid News
Injury update: Real Madrid midfielder set to return for Man City second leg
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric handed Real Madrid a massive blow after picking an untimely injury which is expected to keep him out of action until the UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Manchester City.
While his absence will certainly be felt, ABC News has reported that he will be available for the return leg, scheduled on Wednesday, May 17 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Modric was seen icing his left thigh after coming off in the second half against Girona and speaking ahead of the upcoming Almeria clash, manager Carlo Ancelotti said it is too early to speak of his return.
“He got injured against Girona and I don’t know if he will make it to the cup final. We must evaluate him. We’re hurting, but it can happen. Hopefully, we’ll have him for the important games that are left.”
As it turns out, he has a hamstring tear and will take as many as two weeks to recover.
During this course, he will miss some important games, including the upcoming home league game against Almeria, an away game against Real Sociedad, the Copa de Rey final against Osasuna and of course the UCL semi-final first leg against Manchester City.
Given the forecast of his return, the possibility of him returning to action would be on Saturday, May 13 when Madrid host Getafe. But given the magnitude of the Man City game, it is highly unlikely that the manager will take any risk with his veteran midfielder.
For now, it is understood that the Croatian will not force his return in order to avoid a relapse. He is currently focusing on recovery so that he could return to face Manchester City in the second leg with full guarantees. Until then, he will sit out and watch his team from the sideline.
Eden Hazard is one of the Real Madrid players who have vowed to stay at Santiago Bernabeu until the end of his contract. His current deal at the club expires in 2024.
Even though the Real Madrid star has been courted by several MLS and even the Saudi Arabian clubs, the forward has shown no desire to leave Bernabeu just yet. He wants to stay at the club even though Los Blancos are ready to sanction his sale this summer.
In the midst of this drama, a fresh report from Alfredo Matilla suggests Real Madrid are now considering terminating the contract of Eden Hazard.
This comes shortly after a report which claimed that a Real Madrid player who is not out of contract this summer, may shockingly leave the club this summer. Ferland Mendy was a potential candidate, but it appears Hazard has not been ruled out either.
The Belgian international has offered very little since joining from Chelsea in 2019 for a record-breaking €115 million fee. His spell at the Bernabeu has been marred by injuries, while the player has also struggled to impress when given the opportunities.
Inside the Real Madrid dressing room, there is both grief and resentment towards Belgian, who has remained steadfast in his decision to stay at the club. He has a good standing in the team due to his professionalism, but the Real Madrid bosses are determined to get rid of him this summer.
Hazard, after all, is the highest-paid player in the squad and his departure could open up a chunk of the space in the salary mass. But it must be noted that Real Madrid would have to spend a fortune to terminate Hazard’s contract.
Hence, it will be interesting to see whether or not Los Blancos end up splashing the cash in order to get Hazard out of their books this coming summer.
