Real Madrid will be without their captain Sergio Ramos for at least six weeks following a surgery he had on his left knee, according to Spanish outlet COPE.
Ramos, who last featured for Los Blancos in their Supercopa de Espana semi-final defeat to Athletic Club on January 14, has been grappling for full fitness and on Saturday, Real Madrid confirmed the defender had undergone surgical procedure.
The latest development means, Ramos would miss both legs of his side’s Champions League last-16 tie with Atalanta.
The Spanish champions will travel to Bergamo for the first leg on February 24, with the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 16.
Zinedine Zidane would also be without his key defender for the Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano on March 7, with his side looking to claw back a 10-point deficit to city rivals Atletico at the top of La Liga.
A seven-week absence would, however, see Ramos return in time for the next Clasico with Barcelona on April 11.
However, there are speculations around the defender’s future in recent weeks, with his contract said to expire at the end of the season and Madrid are open to letting him leave for free.
Paris Saint-Germain have been the club most strongly linked with a move for the World Cup winner.
New manager Mauricio Pochettino did little to quell speculation when asked about Ramos in January.
“PSG’s strategy has been the same for years, ever since we signed Ronaldinho: to look at market opportunities and bring in those who can improve what we have,” Pochettino told Marca.
“We will see in the coming months. Here, Ramos would find a great club with the obsession to always win. PSG are one of the biggest [clubs] in the world.”
