Real Madrid’s Luka Modric sustained a left leg injury against Girona on Tuesday and is a doubt for his side’s Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester City.

Modric, 37, is expected to miss two weeks of action, with his fitness also a concern ahead of Madrid’s Copa del Rey final against Osasuna, which comes on May 6.

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The first leg of the City tie is on the following Tuesday, May 9, with the second leg eight days later on May 16.

Modric will definitely miss this Saturday’s La Liga game against Almeria due to the discomfort in his leg.

“The truth is that Modric picked up a small injury in Girona, he’s awaiting his progress and I don’t know if he’s going to make it to the cup final,” Carlo Ancelotti said. “Clearly we are hurt but in football it can happen”

Modric has been a key player for Ancelottti’s Madrid side this season, making 44 appearances in all competitions.

Ancelotti explained Dani Ceballos would be the most like-for-like replacement for Modric, but emphasised that he has a range of midfield options at his disposal to step up in the Croatia international’s absence.

“In terms of characteristics it’s Ceballos. But we have different resources,” the Real Madrid manager added. “We have very good midfielders: Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde… I have midfielders of the highest level.”

The Athletic also reported earlier this month that Modric is expected to extend his stay in Madrid for another year, with his current contract due to expire at the end of this season.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to return for Saturday’s game against Almeria after missing the midweek defeat by Girona with gastroenteritis.

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