Real Madrid duo Sami Khedira and James Rodriguez will reportedly face fines from their club after attending team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th birthday party. This is according to sports programme “Los Manolos” on Cuatro, which report that the German and Colombian broke Los Blancos' code of conduct regarding injured players.
Khedira is currently suffering of a hamstring injury and is expected to be on the sidelines for three weeks, with Rodriguez looking at a four month lay off after having surgery on his fifth metatarsal 48 hours prior to Ronaldo's party. Both injuries occurred in the 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
The worry is that both players put themselves in danger of further worsening their injuries having gone out whilst struggling for fitness, which is forbidden by the club's policy, leaving Real Madrid unhappy. Another player who turned up for the party was Croatian playmaker Luka Modric, also out with a thigh injury, but has apologized and now looks to escape any punishment.
Khedira, however, has hit back, defending his decision to celebrate Cristiano's 30th birthday, arguing that accepting his invitation was the respectful thing to do.
"If Ronaldo invites me, it is a sign of respect to actually attend," Khedira stated.
"And it was not really a party, it was just dinner.
"I did not drink any alcohol all evening and went home at 01:30CET.”
Les Merengues captain and vice-captain Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos had turned down the three-time Ballon d'Or winner's invitation as they felt it was too soon after their embarrassing 4-0 Madrid derby defeat to Atletico to be celebrating.
