Just as Real Madrid’s form appears to be stuttering, injury creeps into their starting eleven.  Up to six players are on the sideline at a time when Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema are misfiring.

Two defeats in a row breathed hope into Los Blancos’ rival, but a 2-1 win over Malaga restored normality with the 11-time Champions League winners. Unfortunately, Luka Modrid and Marcelo have joined the club’s long injury list.

Marcelo

The Brazilian suffered a Grade II tear in the left femoral biceps. This is bad news for the Spanish Primera Division leaders, as it will likely keep him sidelined 

This means the left-back will miss several key fixtures, those being against Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Espanyol, Valencia, Villarreal and Napoli. Furthermore, he could sit out the Copa del Rey semi-final if Real Madrid progress.

Modric

Initial fear was that the Croatian midfielder would also miss a month of action. However, according to Marca, he is expected to be out for only 10 days after undergoing tests on Monday on his thigh injury from the Malaga win.

Real Madrid have confirmed that play-maker Luka Modric & defender Marcelo have sustained respective abductor & hamstring injuries

— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) January 23, 2017

Carvajal

The Spanish right-back suffered a muscular injury in training which kept him out of their surprise Copa del Rey loss. Although Real Madrid haven’t revealed how long he will be out, Zidane is hopeful that Carvajal will be back for their Champions League clash with Napoli on February 15.

Bale 

There is positive news regarding the Welshman. He is set to return to on-ball training, having been ruled out of play since their Champions League clash with Sporting. However, Gareth is still not expected to return to the pitch until early March, meaning he’ll miss their Napoli clash.

Pepe

Pepe, also suffering of a muscle injury, suffered a relapse ahead of Real Madrid’s 1st leg Copa del Rey clash with Sevilla. His return date remains speculation.