(Football news) Real Madrid have been hit with a massive blow as Luka Modric’s injury is far worse than originally feared. He is now likely to miss the Copa Del Rey final against Osasuna and the Champions League semi final against Manchester City. Modric was taken off in the 63rd minute during Real Madrid’s loss against Girona and now tests have revealed that he has torn his hamstring.

Despite being 38 years old Luka Modric has been pivotal to Real Madrid’s success this season. He will be a huge miss but it could be a blessing in disguise for Carlo Ancelotti especially against City. If Modric was fit then Ancelotti would have to start him because of his ability and experience. 

Ancelotti has started Modric alongside Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde in midfield in games against Chelsea and Barcelona in which Real Madrid were dominant. Now if Modric is unavailable then Aurélien Tchouaméni will most likely come into the midfield because Eduardo Camavinga is expected to continue at left back. In the midfield of Kroos, Modric and Valverde there was no natural defensive midfielder. Kroos was the number 6 and he isn’t the best at tracking runners and interceptions.

Real Madrid have found success with the midfield against Barcelona and Chelsea but Manchester City will be a different gravy. Pep Guardiola’s side attack relentlessly and there are high chances that Kroos would’ve been exposed. Now with Tchouaméni the backline will have a lot more protection.

Luka Modric’s presence will definitely be felt as his ability to make progressive ball carries is something which Madrid is dependent on. A midfield of Kroos, Valverde and Tchouaméni will be very balanced as Valverde will have more freedom to make his forward runs. Kroos will also be more involved in attack and his diagonal long balls will be very key. The match against Ousasuna is where someone like a Luka Modric is needed but Real Madrid are more than capable of getting the job done without him. Dani Ceballos is almost perfect replacement for him in case Madrid need someone to unlock Osasuna’s low block.

Also read: Did Real Madrid make a mistake by not signing Fran Garcia in January?