Spanish defender Ramos' injury causes further setback for Real Madrid

First reports indicate that Sergio Ramos will be out of action for at least a month after suffering a knee injury towards the end of Spanish football team's 2-0 win away to Albania.

The Real Madrid defender fell badly after jumping for a high ball in the 80th minute of the game on Sunday and immediately signalled for help, before being carried from the pitch, reports Xinhua.

Early diagnosis revealed that Ramos has suffered a twisted knee and that he will be out of action for at least a month.

If that is confirmed by further tests in Madrid, Ramos will miss Champions League games against Legia Warsaw, which should be reasonably straight forward for his club, as well as Primera Liga matches against Betis, Athletic Club, Alaves and Leganes.

He would also be a doubt for Spain's next two matches: a World Cup qualifying game at home to Macedonia and a friendly away against England.

If the injury is worse that at first feared, Ramos' participation in the Madrid derby away against Atletico Madrid on November 19 would also be at risk, while December 3 sees Madrid play FC Barcelona in the Camp Nou.

The defender's injury comes at a bad time for Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane with Luka Modric also out of action for a month after undergoing a knee operation a week ago, while defensive midfielder, Casemiro is still sidelined after suffering a hairline fracture in his fibula.

--IANS

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