First leg matches in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League saw a number of key players leave the pitch in direction of the hospital.
Barcelona’s Gerard Pique is out for a month with a fractured hip whereas Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa needs to recover from a thigh strain. The Brazilian-born Spanish striker will miss the second leg at the Vicente Calderon. A goalless draw would put Atletico Madrid into the Last 4 as the encounter at the Camp Nou ended 1-1.
Ibrahimovic is out for four weeks. This is a huge blow for PSG who may have to play without their topscorer in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Les Parisiens possess a 3-1 advantage over Chelsea ahead of the second leg in London. However, Jose Mourinho will want to make the most of PSG’s psychological blow related to the absence of star man Ibra.
At the Bernabeu on Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo had to come off in the 80th minute as a precaution. Reports tell that the Portuguese is not injured but may still miss Real Madrid’s must-win game away to Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo: “Do not worry, everything is fine.” #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/XWcz6gLNHe
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Prince4ever) April 3, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo playing at Anoeta is in no way guaranteed. He still has a slight patellar tendon problem. (marca)
— TheCristianoFan (@TheCRonaldoFan) April 3, 2014
Ironically, at the exception of defender Pique, these attackers are among the Top 5 highest goalscorers in the UEFA Champions League this season.
A chance for Lionel Messi to catch up on Ibra and CR7?
Well, Messi will have to find his scoring boots in the second leg.
