Modric joins Madrid's injury list with muscle problems

Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was substituted in Sunday's match against Cadiz at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium with a muscle problem in the 69th minute after starting for the fifth time in La Liga.

The Croatian was forced off with a muscle soreness in the back of his left thigh. The 38-year-old had been in the starting line-up for the Croatian national team in both matches of the last international break. He played 86 minutes against Latvia and 90 minutes against Armenia.

Madrid were dealt severe blows over the past fortnight with Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga suffering long-term injuries, joining Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and Aurelien Tchouameni on the sidelines.

Ancelotti started Toni Kroos in defensive midfield and brought veteran playmaker Luka Modric into the team for only his fifth start in La Liga.

Several of Modric's teammates took an interest in his condition after seeing him ask for a substitution and the Croatian left the pitch with the Cadiz doctors. The hosts' fans gave him a warm ovation and the player returned the gesture with applause in the stands.

The player will be examined in the dressing room by Madrid's doctors as he awaits medical tests that will reveal whether he has a muscle injury and if he joins the plague of injuries suffered by Italian coach Ancelotti.

 

November 26, 2023