Luka Modric
Luka Modric has surprisingly picked up the same injury as teammate Marcelo. An injury to his hamstring has sidelined him for at least two weeks. It is slightly unclear as to when the injury was sustained as it was not apparent in the last few games.
Earlier this week Real Madrid via their official page released a statement. The statement is as follows: “Following tests carried out on our player Luka Modric by the Sanitas Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the biceps femoris of the right leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed.”
Of course, the severity of the injury is unknown so it is hard to predict how long it will be before the Croatian is back. Zidane though had this to say “He didn’t train with us today and we’re hoping he’ll be back with us shortly. I think it’s only a little problem, I have faith in all the people who work here, in the physios and doctors, hopefully, it’s nothing serious and he’ll be back with us soon”.
With Zidane short another midfielder he will have to look to the bench again to find a replacement. Thankfully, Madrid has an incredibly deep midfield with each player bringing something different to the pitch. The likely replacement though for Modric is his fellow Croat Mateo Kovacic.
With a similar playing style, it can allow Madrid fans to let out a little sigh of relief. Kovacic is wonderful on the ball with his incisive passing and has the ability to dribble past multiple defenders.
Unlike his other teammates who are likely to feature as well, Kovacic is the one who we have seen the most of. I am expecting nothing short of great performances from Mateo as Modric recovers and hopefully will be ready to return in time for the match against PSG.