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Ramos injury puts Clasico in doubt

Xinhua, October 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Sergio Ramos' participation in the 'Clasico' between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid was put in doubt by the news that he will be out of action for six weeks with a twisted left knee ligament.

Ramos was forced out of Spain's 2-0 win in Albania on Sunday after taking a fall. An early diagnosis showed that he would be out of action for around a month. However, tests performed back in Madrid have shown that the injury is worse than initially thought, and will leave him sidelined for around six weeks.

That means Ramos will miss at least five league matches for Real Madrid (against Betis, Athletic Club, Alaves, Leganes and Atletico Madrid), three Champions League games (two against Legia Warsaw, and a difficult trip to face Sporting Portugal). He is also doubtful for a home league game against Sporting Gijon.

He is also sidelined for the Spanish national team's next two matches: a World Cup qualifying game at home to Macedonia and a friendly in England.

However, the big date on the horizon is 'El Clasico,' which will almost certainly be played on December 3rd. This biggest game of the season is just over six weeks away; any delays to his recovery would mean the defender will not be fit to face Barca in the Camp Nou stadium.

Ramos' injury could not come at a worse time for his side. With Luka Modric and Casemiro both currently sidelined, the injury puts Real Madrid in a tough position despite his early season form being questioned in the wake of several major defensive errors.

Meanwhile, Barcelona has also suffered as a result of the international break, with full backs Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto likely to miss the weekend game at home to Deportivo la Coruna due to muscle injuries the pair sustained with the Spanish national team. Endit