Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos is set to miss major fixtures with Real Madrid. Injured during the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad on Wednesday, the 28-year-old is reportedly seriously hurt… and the predictions are even more concerning.
If the medical tests scheduled for Thursday confirm the worst, it would be a significant blow for Real Madrid. For weeks now, Dani Ceballos has been the key playmaker in midfield. With a similar style to Toni Kroos, the Spanish midfielder has raised the level of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which had struggled to shine in the first half of the season due to the absence of a proper playmaker. As the season enters a crucial phase, with decisive matches, including Wednesday night’s 1-0 win against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final, Ceballos has picked up an injury… The worst part is that he could be sidelined for months.
Dani Ceballos suffering a knee injury after all?
While Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that his player’s condition is not optimal and that a medical examination will be carried out to determine the extent of the damage, Relevo reports that the issue may not be purely muscular. In fact, following the injury, several media outlets have indicated that Dani Ceballos has suffered a knock to his left leg, with an expected recovery period of three to four weeks. However, given the first images of the 28-year-old player limping heavily as he left Anoeta late at night, Relevo suggests it could be a knee issue.
According to journalist Rodra, Ceballos’ injury could be more severe than initially thought and might keep him out for several months. El Chiringuito TV also highlights that the way the Madrid player was limping while leaving Real Sociedad’s stadium speaks volumes about the injury, which does not appear to be muscular. To get a definitive verdict, the results of the medical tests scheduled for today will be crucial.
One thing is certain: if the latest reports are confirmed, it would be a major setback for all parties involved. Beyond the fact that Real Madrid would have to cope without one of the best midfielders in La Liga and Europe at the moment, the player himself would also miss out on a return to the national team next month. In recent hours, reports in Spain suggest that Luis de la Fuente, the coach of La Roja, was considering recalling Dani Ceballos for the upcoming FIFA international break—the first one of 2025.
Injury at the worst moment
This season, the Utrera-born midfielder has played over 1,400 minutes for Real Madrid, making it one of his highest game-time totals in a Madrid shirt. During this period, Ceballos has provided two assists and, most importantly, has become an undisputed starter, partnering at different times with Valverde, Tchouaméni, and even Camavinga in the double pivot. In the final year of his contract with Florentino Pérez’s club, the 28-year-old is proving that he has matured in his game and can contribute even more to the squad.
Moreover, rumours suggested that a contract extension was in the pipeline. However, with this injury, which could be a major setback for him, there is hope that things will still go in the right direction for the former Arsenal loanee. Notably, Dani Ceballos will already miss the La Liga Matchday 26 fixture against Real Betis. In the Champions League Round of 16 tie between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, he is also unlikely to feature, which completely disrupts Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
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