Brahim joins Real Madrid’s growing injury list: how long will he be out for and what games will he miss?

Six games without Brahim Díaz. Another body blow for Real Madrid. The Málagueño was forced to quit Saturday’s match against Real Sociedad in the 24th minute. Five minutes earlier the player had felt discomfort to his right adductor muscle. He tried to continue, but in the end was forced to request to be taken off. He was replaced by Rodrygo.

Brahim facing a month out

While the injury didn’t seem too serious at first, AS USA understands that Brahim has suffered a microtear and faces around a month on the sidelines. It rules him out for this week’s Champions League opener - Madrid’s first game in the new format. Ancelotti’s team begin their defence of the title at home to Stuttgart on Tuesday (17 September).

As always, Ancelotti was cautious about making predictions until the player had been looked at by the club’s doctors. “We will evaluate him tomorrow,” he told reporters in his post-game press conference.

With any luck, Ceballos will be nearing the end of his recovery by the time of the next international break and could be available for the league trip to Balaídos to face Celta on 20 October or the third Champions League group game against Borussia Dortmund on the 22nd.

How many players are on Real Madrid’s injury list?

Madrid’s infirmary is showing no respite. Ceballos joins the list of walking wounded which includes: Aurélien Tchouaméni (foot), Jude Bellingham (plantaris muscle), and Eduardo Camavinga (sprained knee) while centre-back David Alaba is out long-term with an ACL tear.

The only positive note was the return of defenders Eder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Jesús Vallejo, all of whom are available again.

Ancelotti’s team face a hectic few weeks with six games in the next 21 days. This season, they could play as many as 72 games. Plenty of squad rotation is expected in the next few weeks - for now, the coach has Fede Valverde, Luka Modric, Rodrygo and Arda Güler fit and able.