Toni Kroos has quietly become a vital cog in the machine of Real Madrid's midfield this season. With their all-attack galactico side vulnerable through the middle thanks to a lack of any kind of defensive midfielder in most matches, Kroos has adapted his game to be a little more restrained, not curtailing his creative abilities much, but staying responsible in his positioning and working hard to try to shield his defense as he can.
Toni Kroos felled by hamstring injury ahead of Champions League semifinal match
Real Madrid’s key midfielder lasted just 24 minutes in a match against Valencia before a hamstring injury forced him out.
The German international has been virtually ever-present for Madrid this season, playing 48 matches so far and almost always serving as one of Madrid's best performers. Now, though, Madrid might have to figure out how to beat Juventus in the second leg of their Champions League tie with Juventus without Kroos, after he pulled up short in Saturday's match against Valencia and was forced to leave after just 24 minutes with an apparent hamstring injury.
Kroos was trying to get back to defend on a counter attack when he pulled out of his run and immediately grabbed the back of his left leg. He was able to get off the pitch under his own power, but it was clear that Kroos was in a fair amount of discomfort and couldn’t go on. Madrid fans will be praying that it’s a minor injury and his removal was simply a precaution, but it certainly didn’t look great for their midfielder.
Already missing Luka Modric with a knee injury, Madrid’s midfield is suddenly looking awfully vulnerable as they head in to some crucial matches down the final stretch as they chase after titles in La Liga and the Champions League. Hopefully someone like Asier Illaramendi can step up in a big way, or Madrid might be without a title this season.
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