Real Madrid have announced that midfielder James Rodriguez has been diagnosed with a “grade 1 muscle injury.”
The 23-year-old is not expected to take part in Tuesday’s Uefa Champions League match with Ludogoret Razgrads at the Santiago Bernebeu stadium- though the European champions have not indicated the duration of the Colombian’s absence. Madrid are already sure to finish top of Group B.
“Rodriguez has been diagnosed with a grade 1 muscular injury in the medial gastrocnemius of his right leg. His progress will be monitored,” read a statement onthe club’s website.
Rodriguez has appeared in all 24 matches the La Liga leaders has played this season following his arrival from Monaco this summer.
He suffered the injury during Saturday’s win over Celta Vigo as the ‘Los Merengues’ claim a record-equaling 18th consecutive win in all competitions.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Rodriguez will not return to action until the New Year.
The Italian boss said: “I don’t think James will be able to play in the Club World Cup. It’s difficult to recover from a calf injury in such a short period of time.”
Real play Almeria in the Spanish league on Friday- their last before the Christmas break- before the start of the Fifa Club World Cup campaign on December 16.
