Just hours before the Spanish Super Cup 2025 semifinal match between Real Madrid and Mallorca, Carlo Ancelotti has suffered a significant setback with Luka Modric's injury.
According to the medical staff's statement, Modric's situation requires close monitoring. The Croatian player was praised by Ancelotti on Monday after the team's victory against SD Minera in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
Modric, the oldest player in the Madrid squad, was initially called up to participate in the Spanish Super Cup but has now been ruled out of the match against Mallorca, scheduled for Thursday in Jeddah.
The official club statement reads: "Our player Luka Modrić will miss today's match against RCD Mallorca due to a viral infection."
Although the news is not ideal, considering Modric's importance to the team, Real Madrid should not be overly concerned. With key players like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Arda Güler, Ancelotti has a solid backup plan.
In recent weeks, Modric has not been an unconditional starter due to the impressive performances of the team's young midfielders. Against Mallorca, Real Madrid should not face significant difficulties in qualifying for the final if they apply themselves from the start.
If Real Madrid wins on Thursday, they will face their arch-rivals, FC Barcelona, in the Spanish Super Cup final next Sunday. Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Wednesday evening and will have an extra day of rest before the potential final matchup.
Last year's final saw Real Madrid triumph 4-1 over Barcelona, with VinÃcius Júnior scoring a hat-trick.