Real Madrid and Spain concerned over Sergio Ramos fitness after injury scare in World Cup qualifier victory in Albania

The Madrid captain was substituted in the 78th minute in Shkoder after taking a tumble

Samuel Stevens
Monday 10 October 2016 06:25 EDT
Comments
Sergio Ramos is led off the pitch after suffering an injury for Spain
Sergio Ramos is led off the pitch after suffering an injury for Spain (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Real Madrid are worried that Sergio Ramos may be side-lined for a month after he fell awkwardly during Spain’s World Cup qualifying victory against Albania on Sunday.

The Madrid captain was substituted in the 78th minute in Shkoder after taking a tumble in the penalty area as Koke took a corner and is likely to face a lengthy spell away from action.

Ramos was attended to by the Spanish team doctor Oscar Celada in Albania and was hastily taken off with reports suggesting it could be a month before he plays for either club or country again.

"Sergio's injury looks like a strain and we hope that's all it is but the doctors are the ones who have to determine what it is. He's a very important player for us and his club," the Spain coach, Julen Lopetegui, told a news conference.

Ramos will undergo further tests when he returns to the Spanish capital on Monday to determine the extent of his injury.

Although Ramos has endured a stumbling start to the season, conceding four penalties for club and country, his absence will be keenly felt by Real and coach Zinedine Zidane, who has recently been without Brazilian duo Marcelo and Casemiro and midfield maestro Luka Modric.

The former Real great has also faced serious criticism for the team's stuttering run of four consecutive draws in all competitions, which culminated in a shock 1-1 draw at home to Eibar last Sunday.

Ramos is likely to miss Real's La Liga games against Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao, Alaves and Leganes and two Champions League group games with Legia Warsaw.

He is also doubtful for Spain's World Cup qualifier with Macedonia on 12 November and friendly versus England on 15 November.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in