Real Madrid : extended absence confirmed for a key midfielder !

Madrid, Sunday – Real Madrid will be without midfielder Dani Ceballos for the foreseeable future after the club confirmed a muscle injury to his right calf that is expected to sideline him for up to seven weeks.

Medical examinations performed earlier today revealed the extent of the problem, prompting the club to issue a brief statement: “Following tests carried out today on our player Dani Ceballos, a muscle injury in the right calf has been diagnosed. His progress will continue to be monitored.”

Spanish media outlets report that the 26-year-old could miss more than 45 days, a timeline that would rule him out of both the decisive Champions League playoff return leg against Benfica and a string of domestic fixtures as the La Liga title race intensifies.

Ceballos’ setback comes at a delicate moment for Los Merengues. Carlo Ancelotti’s side slipped to a 2-1 defeat away to CA Osasuna on Saturday’s Matchday 25, a result that leaves them vulnerable to losing top spot should rivals FC Barcelona overcome Levante UD this weekend. The Andalusian midfielder was particularly under scrutiny after a late turnover led directly to Osasuna’s winning goal.

Accepting responsibility, Ceballos took to social media after the final whistle to apologize to supporters, acknowledging his error and vowing to return stronger.

With the squad already navigating a congested calendar, the extended loss of a versatile central midfielder further complicates Real Madrid’s ambitions on two fronts: domestic supremacy and European progression.