Bad News for Real Madrid: A Lengthy Absence on the Cards?
Real Madrid may have secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, but the night was overshadowed by a series of unfortunate events. In addition to disgraceful hate chants directed at Raul Asencio and racist insults aimed at Vinicius Jr., the Madrid club now faces a major concern: the injury to Dani Ceballos.
Ceballos’ Injury Sparks Concern
The Spanish midfielder left the pitch in tears, and initial assessments suggest his injury could be more serious than expected. Journalist Edu Aguirre has reported that Ceballos could be sidelined for several months—a major blow for Carlo Ancelotti, who is already dealing with a depleted squad.
Ceballos’ absence could prove costly for Real Madrid. With Jude Bellingham already suspended for two La Liga matches and a packed fixture schedule ahead, the squad may struggle with limited midfield options. His versatility and technical ability were key assets for Ancelotti, who must now find a solution to compensate for his absence.
After the match, Ancelotti attempted to reassure fans, stating that medical tests would determine the full extent of the injury: “He felt a muscle problem at the end of the game, but we will wait for the test results to know more.” However, concerns are mounting, as a knee injury could mean a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
A Tactical Headache for Ancelotti
With Ceballos out, Real Madrid must rethink their approach for the coming weeks. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga may need to take on bigger roles in midfield, while Toni Kroos could see increased game time. However, the relentless match schedule and lack of squad depth could take a toll on the team’s performances.
Real Madrid has little time to regroup. Following the second leg against Real Sociedad, they will face formidable opponents in both La Liga and the Champions League. Ceballos’ absence further complicates Ancelotti’s plans, forcing him to carefully manage his squad.
A Crucial Win Despite the Setback
Despite the setbacks, Real Madrid displayed resilience against Real Sociedad. Young talent Endrick delivered an encouraging performance, while Arda Güler impressed with his defensive commitment. Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort: “We were solid and well-organized. The team showed great commitment, and it’s a good result ahead of the second leg.”
The victory gives Real Madrid a strong advantage in their bid to reach the Copa del Rey final. However, injuries are starting to pile up, and the cost of qualification could be steep.
Fans Worried About the Season AheadMadrid fans are increasingly concerned about the growing injury list at a crucial point in the season. With an already thin squad, every absence could have serious consequences for the club’s competitiveness across all competitions.
Ceballos’ recovery will be closely monitored by both the club and supporters. A long-term absence could force Real Madrid to rethink their squad rotation and demand even more from key players.
What Are Ancelotti’s Options?
If Ceballos is ruled out for weeks or months, Ancelotti may need to turn to less experienced players like Nico Paz to fill the gap in midfield. Additionally, a tactical adjustment—perhaps a two-man midfield setup—could be tested to minimize the impact of his absence.
A last-minute signing is not an option, as the transfer window is closed. Real Madrid must make do with their current squad in their pursuit of silverware.
A True Test of Squad Depth
Ceballos’ injury raises serious questions about the depth of Real Madrid’s squad. With crucial matches ahead, Ancelotti will need to carefully manage his resources to ensure the team remains competitive on all fronts