Real Madrid skipper Iker Casillas had to withdraw from the club’s Copa del Ray clash against Valencia on Wednesday night at Mestella due to a hand injury and will be out of action for an estimated six weeks.
Iker Casillas injured in Copa Clash, out for six weeks
The Real shot-stopper was accidentally kicked on his left hand by defender Alvaro Arbeloa in a scramble following a corner in the 13th minute of the game. Casillas immediately took off his gloves and was in obvious pain. Despite receiving treatment on the field, the Spanish International was forced to leave the field after 17 minutes of play and was replaced by the Antonio Adan
Casillas had to undego further examinations today to determine the extent of the injury and Madrid have just announced that the keeper has sustained a broken thumb.
“After carrying out initial x-rays at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital it has been confirmed that the footballer Iker Casillas has suffered a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal on his left hand,” a statement on the Madrid website reads.
“It will be assessed again by a specialist later today to decide what treatment will be followed.”
The injury has come as a big blow for the 31 year old who has just recently regained his spot in the starting eleven after being dropped by boss Jose Mourinho before the winter break in favour of their reserve goalkeeper Adan.
The fracture would mean that Casillas will be out of action for a month and a half, and will miss the first leg of Madrid’s Champions League round of 16 match against Manchester United on February 13.
The 31-year-old is also doubtful for the return leg against United, while he could also miss the Clasico versus Barcelona on March 2.
Later, Real Madrid survived red cards for Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria to end the quarter final in a 1-1 draw, winning the two-legged tie 3-2on aggregate to march into the semis where they will meet either Malaga or arch rivals Barcelona.
Tags: Barcelona, Champions League, Copa del Ray, Iker Casillas, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Valencia
