Real Madrid’s slim hopes of reclaiming the La Liga title in the final six games of the season were dealt a major blow on Thursday, as two key players were effectively ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Both Eder Militao and Arda Guler are expected to be absent during the final month of the campaign.
Militao was forced off just before half-time in the clash with Alaves on Tuesday, and there was initially optimism that the substitution was simply a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Guler was unexpectedly absent from Thursday’s training session after undergoing medical checks. He was also expected to recover from the injury with some rest, but he also underwent tests and scans on Thursday.
According to Diario AS, both Guler and Militao will be out for the rest of the season. Both have suffered second-degree hamstring tears, an injury that usually keeps them out for three to four weeks.
If recovery were at the minimum limit (three weeks), they could return in time for Real Madrid’s last two matches, against Sevilla away and against Athletic Bilbao at home.
But if it were to last four weeks, neither of them is expected to risk a premature return, especially considering the World Cup would be just three weeks away at that point.
On the other hand, one of Militao’s potential replacements is expected to return to action.
Raul Asensio has been absent for the past week due to a virus, which reportedly caused him to lose 6 kilograms in weight.
