Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is expected to be out for six to eight weeks with a sprained ankle, a source told ESPN, adding to the list of injuries in the LaLiga club's midfield.
Madrid confirmed on Monday that Ceballos, 28, was injured during their 2-0 league win over Real Betis.
The Spanish international made his first start of the season at the Bernabéu but was substituted after 65 minutes.
“Following the tests carried out today by Real Madrid's medical services on our player Dani Ceballos, he has been diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain with ligament injury in the right ankle,” Madrid said in a statement.
Ceballos was linked with a possible exit from Madrid before the transfer window closed on Friday, having made just one brief substitute appearance in the club's three LaLiga games before that.
He has struggled to establish himself as a regular in Madrid's starting XI since returning in 2021 after two years on loan at Arsenal.
However, some impressive performances at the end of the 2022-23 season helped the midfielder secure a new contract, which runs until 2027.
Madrid were already short of midfielders after Eduardo Camavinga sprained a knee ligament before the UEFA Super Cup and Jude Bellingham suffered a calf injury in training.
Bellingham is expected to return to fitness after the international break.
France announced on Monday that Madrid's Ferland Mendy and Aurélien Tchouaméni will not join them for the international break after both players suffered injuries.
Mendy, who has had frequent physical problems in his five years at Madrid, played 65 minutes of the win over Betis on Sunday, while Tchouaméni played the full 90 minutes.
“Ferland Mendy, with an injury to his right tibia, is replaced by Lucas Digne,” France posted on social media. “Get well soon Ferland!”
A source told ESPN that Mendy was expected to return for Madrid's next league game, away to Real Sociedad on September 14.
France later added that Tchouaméni had “injured his left foot” and would be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi for their games with Italy and Belgium.
