• Real Madrid is preparing to face Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League playoff, after securing a 1-0 win in the first leg, making the coming period a crucial test of the squad’s depth amid absences.

The club suffered another setback following a 2-1 loss to Osasuna in La Liga, as midfielder Dani Ceballos is now confirmed to be out for up to seven weeks due to injury. Real Madrid announced in an official statement that Ceballos has a tear in his right calf muscle, which will keep him sidelined for several key matches during a congested phase of the season.

Additional pressure on midfield options

Although Ceballos was not a regular starter, his absence limits the coach’s options in midfield, especially given the need to rotate players in the coming weeks. The player had a difficult evening against Osasuna, being linked to key moments that affected the result, before apologizing to fans and taking responsibility for what happened.

Uncertain future

The injury comes at a sensitive time, with increasing speculation about his potential departure in the upcoming summer transfer window, as the management looks to reorganize the squad.

Real Madrid now faces Benfica in the Champions League playoff return leg, following their 1-0 first-leg victory, making this period a crucial test for the squad’s depth amid ongoing absences.