Real Madrid hit with fresh injury blow as 29-year-old star ruled out of Getafe encounter | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been dealt a setback ahead of their upcoming La Liga match against Getafe, as reports from AS suggest that midfielder Dani Ceballos will be sidelined due to a muscle strain.

According to the outlet, Ceballos has not participated in training since last Wednesday. His last session was during a training match against Castilla, where he experienced some discomfort in his muscles.

Although Real Madrid have not officially confirmed the injury, the outlet affirms that Ceballos has suffered a strain in his left hamstring.

This means he will be unavailable for Sunday’s clash with Getafe. The good news for Los Blancos is that he is expected to return in time for the crucial Champions League tie against Juventus on Wednesday, the 22nd.

More importantly, Ceballos remains positive for the big El Clasico clash, which is a relief for manager Xabi Alonso.

Midfield decisions and positive updates

While Ceballos’ absence creates a gap in midfield, there is encouraging news on the injury front.

Dani Ceballos will not be available against Getafe. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Superstar Kylian Mbappe has trained normally without any pain in his right ankle, ensuring that he will be at full strength for the Getafe game. This comes as a boost for Alonso, who is still finalising his midfield setup.

Meanwhile, the situation at right-back could also affect midfield choices. If Federico Valverde is needed to cover at right-back due to ongoing injury concerns, it would leave another midfield spot open.

In that case, players like Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni could be the obvious options.

With Ceballos out for now, Real Madrid will need to adjust their midfield strategy carefully, but the return of other key players gives Alonso multiple options to maintain control in the middle of the park.

Given the lack of depth in the midfield, Alonso will need to manage the workload of his players very keenly.