Real Madrid are struggling with injuries. Marcelo, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric are all doing their best to get fit in time for the return leg against PSG.
Real Madrid always seem to have the worst luck with injuries, at the worst times in the season. Once again, Los Blancos have been hit with an injury crisis before one of their biggest matches of the year. With every other trophy off the table, Madrid now have to win the Champions League if they want any silverware this season. So, of course, it just so happens that Madrid suffered a series of injury setbacks to three key players ahead of the PSG second leg.
Luka Modric picked up a hamstring injury that could see him miss the PSG match. Marcelo seems to have picked up an identical injury, also to his biceps femoris. Toni Kroos is the only one of the three who did not experience a muscle injury, instead spraining a knee ligament after a tough collision in the first leg of the PSG tie. Anyone who has watched Madrid over the past few seasons knows that these players are at the core of Madrid’s identity, the heart and soul of Madrid’s back-to-back Champions League winning side. These losses were a huge blow to Real Madrid.
Fortunately, it looks like Madrid may be getting a bit of relief when it comes to some of these players. Managing Madrid reported that Marcelo rejoined the squad for training and will most likely take part in the PSG fixture. That article also indicates that Modric could have a speedier recovery time than Kroos and might be ready to play.
Marca, however, seem to believe the opposite to be true regarding the status of Modric and Kroos. They report that “Modric’s availability looks to be the most complicated” of the three players.
Fortunately for Madrid, the midfield is one place where Los Blancos have a ton of depth. Zidane has given Mateo Kovacic a run of consecutive starts, possibly with an eye towards having him replace one of Madrid’s two injured midfielders. Kovacic has looked impressive in recent weeks, a good sign both for the short term against PSG and the long term for his place in the squad.
Also, shoutout to Jesus Vallejo, who has finally returned to training. The defender will be an important piece of Madrid’s squad going forward, if he can manage to stay fit consistently.
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PSG are also not without their own injury issues. Neymar broke a bone in his foot and sprained an ankle in PSG’s recent match against Marseille, and will almost certainly miss the match against Real Madrid. Brazilian defender Marquinhos may also miss out against Real Madrid after picking up an injury to his thigh.