Lucas Vazquez out for rest of season as Real Madrid injury concerns grow ahead of Liverpool clash
Saturday's Clásico victory has taken its toll for Real Madrid as Lucas Vazquez has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while two others are doubts for Wednesday.
Real Madrid are facing the trip to Liverpool next week without three important starters, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde and Lucas Vazquez.
Lucas had to be replaced before half time during the Clásico after he took a serious knock to his left knee, while both Kroos and Fede Valverde were also suffering from discomfort when they came off the field in the second half.
Los Blancos have recorded important victories against Liverpool and Barcelona during a tough week that has taken its toll physically. “We are at the limit, I don't know how we are going to end up,” warned Zinedine Zidane after the Clásico.
Lucas out for rest of season
Following tests carried out by Madrid's medical team on Sunday, it was confirmed that Lucas has suffered a cruciate ligament sprain in his left knee. This type of injury usually requires around six weeks of recovery, meaning the Spanish midfielder will likely miss the rest of the season.
Lucas's injury is fortunately not serious enough to require an operation. But since it is a sprain in a knee ligament, which has suffered a slight fiber tear, it is an injury that requires delicacy and not rushed deadlines.
Aside from missing the rest of the season, the injury could deal a big blow for his Euro 2020 aspirations and may be an obstacle to his contract renewal at Madrid. His current deal ends in June and as it stands both sides are not close to agreement.
Lucas joins the injury list with captain Sergio Ramos, who is not due back until May and will also be heavily missed at Anfield on Wednesday.
Kroos and Valverde
Meanwhile, Valverde, who headed to the bench on the 61st minute of the Clásico and was spotted struggling to get down a small flight of stairs after the game, is a major doubt for Wednesday. Tests confirmed that he has suffered a strong blow in the sole of his foot. Kroos also left the game visibly limping when he was taken off at the same time as Valverde, although at the moment it is unknown if the German has a serious muscle problem.
Carvajal and Varane
Aside from these major concerns for Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane are also unlikely to be available for the big game at Anfield that caps off a difficult eight days for Zidane’s side.
Varane was diagnosed with covid-19 on Monday after testing positive in a PCR test and although he is not completely ruled out yet, it is unlikely he will be able to return two negative tests before the trip to England.
For his part, Carvajal has completed several training sessions with the squad following his recovery from injury and could be recalled to the squad for Wednesday. However, the Spanish full back has suffered several injury layoffs this season and starting a game as demanding as the one at Anfield on Tuesday after two months out could be a major risk.
Madrid have so far recorded 39 injuries so far this season, not counting casualties due to the coronavirus and the situation is really beginning to take its toll at this crucial point of the season, with Zidane very concerned about shortages on the bench and the levels of exhaustion his team showed during the final stages of the games against Liverpool and Barcelona.