Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is set to miss both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool after suffering a calf muscle injury.
The 35-year-old defender picked up the injury while on international duty.
Real face the Reds on Tuesday, 6 April and Wednesday, 14 April, either side of El Clasico with Barcelona in La Liga.
Ramos took to social media to share with fans some details about his latest injury setback and inform them that he will miss out on Real Madrid’s upcoming crucial games.
Los Blancos announced on Thursday that their captain suffered a calf injury whilst on international duty with Spain, just ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Eibar on Saturday. Three days later, Zinedine Zidane’s side will host Liverpool at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
“The truth is that I’ve had a tough few weeks,” Ramos wrote on Instagram.
“Surgery is always a sporting and emotional break. Fortunately, for a few days now I’ve been feeling better but in football and in life, bad luck also plays a role.
“After yesterday (Wednesday’s) game, I stayed on to do some work on the pitch and I felt a pinch in my left calf.
“Today (Thursday) I underwent tests and it was confirmed that I have a muscle injury.
“What hurts most is not being able to help the team in these vital games of the season and not being able to give something back on the pitch for all the love and energy you send me.
“All I can do is speak frankly, work hard and support the team with my soul.”