Real Madrid confirm huge midfielder injury blow after Real Sociedad victory | OneFootball

Real Madrid have confirmed that midfielder Dani Ceballos suffered a thigh muscle injury in the closing stages of Wednesday night's Copa del Rey encounter with Real Sociedad.

Madrid won the semi-final first leg clash in San Sebastian courtesy of a 19th minute goal from Endrick. Carlo Ancelotti's team will now feel confident about progressing to the final and potentially winning what would be just their second Copa in the last decade.

But the first leg, despite ending in victory, finished on a negative. Ceballos collided knee-to-knee with former Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo in stoppage time and looked in considerable pain as he left the pitch, later assisted by medical staff and unable to put weight on his right leg.

But the knee isn't the problem, it's a muscle issue in his other leg. The images of the collision highlighted a potential overstretch from the left leg as he tried to hook his right foot around the ball.

Ceballos is an important squad player for Real Madrid / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Despite once looking as though he might be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, as evidence by spending two years on loan with Arsenal, Ceballos has established himself as an important member of the squad. The 29-year-old wouldn't necessarily be a first choice but is a key rotation option.

With Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde both pulled out of midfield at various times to help patch up the injury-stricken defence, injuries to Eduardo Camavinga and age limitations of Luka Modric, Ceballos has racked up 30 appearances across all competitions this season, 16 of which have come as a starter.

Madrid haven't offered a timeframe for his recovery, but AS has reported it could be "at least" two months before Ceballos is back on the pitch, potentially a huge blow for the club.

The player might not return until the end of April at the earliest, missing games in La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey at a crucial stage of the season.