Real Madrid has suffered a major setback as midfielder Dani Ceballos is expected to be out for around two months due to a serious injury sustained in the recent Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad. The injury, which involves damage to the semimembranosus muscle and tendon in his left leg, occurred after a collision with Takefusa Kubo in the closing stages of the game.

The club’s medical team has confirmed the severity of the injury, meaning Ceballos will miss several important matches, including the Champions League round of 16 against Atlético de Madrid and key La Liga fixtures.

This comes at a crucial point in the season, further complicating matters for head coach Carlo Ancelotti. In a press conference, Ancelotti expressed his disappointment, recognizing Ceballos’s importance to the team and the need to adjust tactics in his absence.

The injury not only disrupts Real Madrid’s immediate plans but also hinders Ceballos’s potential return to the Spanish national team. Despite the challenge, Ceballos has vowed to recover strongly, committing to a rigorous rehabilitation process.

This situation raises concerns about how Ancelotti will adjust his midfield, with players like Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni likely to take on more responsibility.

The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate a challenging period without one of their key midfielders.