Real Madrid have been dealt a blow with the news that Luka Modric is expected to be out of action for at least three months after picking up a thigh injury on international duty.
The 29-year-old was substituted in the first-half of the Euro 2016 qualifier in Milan which ended 1-1.
The former Tottenham midfielder could miss up to 20 matches for his club after scans confirmed a tear of the proximal rectus femoris tendon.
A statement on Real Madrid’s website confirmed the tear although did not put a timeframe on his return, a potential last-16 tie in the Champions League and the World Club Cup in Morocco are looking very doubtful.
A further statement from the Croatian Football Federation read: “MRI scans in Madrid showed that it was a serious injury.
“Due to the complete insertions of muscles being separated in his left leg, Modric will be away from the pitch for about three months. Surgery will not be needed, Modric will be treated with conservative methods.”