Ramos ruled out of Club World Cup semifinal, Pepe a doubt

Real Madrid - Kashima Antlers, Club World Cup Final 2016

Sergio Ramos has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Mexico’s Club America on Thursday with a minor problem, but could still play in Sunday’s final if the Spanish side gets there.

Zidane: "We will not risk anything"

“He’s not going to play,” confirmed coach Zinedine Zidane on Wednesday after Ramos missed Madrid’s training sessions on Monday and Tuesday in Japan. “He’s weakened a little; it’s not anything [serious], but just some discomfort. He was a little overloaded and, as always, we will not risk anything. We'll see if he’s fit for Sunday.”

Ramos: “It doesn’t matter who plays, the victory matters"

Ramos reacted to the news that he’ll miss the Club America game by posting on social media: “Back on the grass!” referring to the fact that he was able to run out on the turf of the Yokohama International Stadium (the venue for both Madrid’s fixtures in the Club World Cup) on Wednesday, despite having to train separately from the squad. “It doesn’t matter who plays, the victory matters. On to the final!”

Pepe a doubt 

Aside from Ramos' confirmed absence, there is also now a doubt over fellow centreback Pepe after the Portuguese missed Wednesday’s session.