Real Madrid’s injury crisis worsened on Sunday when defender Sergio Ramos was forced off in Spain’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win away to Albania with a knee strain that could sideline him for up to a month.
The centre back received treatment on the pitch after falling awkwardly while contesting a corner but was substituted by manager Julen Lopetegui in the 80th minute.
“Sergio’s injury looks like a strain and we hope that’s all it is but the doctors are the ones who have to determine what it is. He’s a very important player for us and his club,” Lopetegui said.
Ramos, 30, will undergo further tests when he returns to the Spanish capital on Monday to determine the extent of his injury.
More from the Primera Liga:
• Andy Mitten: Atletico, with a new stadium and deeper squad, continue to close gap on Barca and Real
• Zidane: Real Madrid 'not in crisis', insists Zidane despite four games without a win
• Andy Mitten on Nani: After turbulent start, Nani is finding his feet at a Valencia
Although Ramos has endured a stumbling start to the season, conceding four penalties for club and country, his absence will be keenly felt by Madrid and their manager Zinedine Zidane, who has recently been without Marcelo, Casemiro and Luka Modric.
Zidane has also faced serious criticism for the team’s stuttering run of four consecutive draws in all competitions, which culminated in a shock 1-1 draw at home to Eibar last Sunday.
Ramos is likely to miss Madrid’s Primera Liga games against Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao, Alaves and Leganes and two Uefa Champions League group games with Legia Warsaw.
He is also doubtful for Spain’s World Cup qualifier with Macedonia on November 12 and friendly against England on November 15.
If his recovery goes according to plan, Ramos will return to action in time for the Madrid derby against neighbours and Primera Liga leaders Atletico Madrid on November 20.
Marcelo is set to return from his calf injury to face Betis on Saturday but Casemiro, credited with balancing the team last season and helping Madrid set a joint record 16 straight league wins, is not due back until the end of October as he recovers from a fractured fibula.
Croatia midfielder Modric, nursing a knee problem, is not expected to return until the start of November.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport