Croatia lost the services of Luka Modric to an injury against Italy on Sunday, and he'll be missing some time for Real Madrid as well. The star midfielder was initially ruled out for around three weeks with a groin strain, but it now looks as if he could miss the rest of 2014.
Luka Modric could be out through 2014
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Real Madrid say Modric has a torn quadriceps tendon. They don’t put a timetable on his return, but he could be out through the winter break.
Modric's absence could hurt for a Madrid side that isn't exactly loaded in the center of midfield. However, Sami Khedira is now fit and Asier Illarramendi has put in some improved performances over the last couple of months. Isco has also had a limited run in a deeper central position and could fill the role.
Madrid have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stage and they don't have any massive fixtures coming up, so this isn't terrible timing for Los Merengues. They play Eibar, Malaga, Celta Vigo and Almeria in their four matches before the winter break. Their final two Champions League matches are against FC Basel and Ludogorets.
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