Major blow for Real Madrid as Dani Ceballos faces lengthy spell on the sidelines after leaving pitch in tears

Real Madrid were in control of proceedings in Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi final first leg against Real Sociedad, winning the game 1-0 thanks to Endrick's first half goal. However, what seemed to be pretty comfortable evening for Carlo Ancelotti's men turned into a dreadful one in the second half as Dani Ceballos left the pitch in tears following a collision with Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo.

Ceballos underwent tests on Thursday morning to assess the full extent of the injury he sustained against Real Sociedad, and the results confirmed the player’s fears following his collision with Kubo.

Unfortunately, the injury is significant, and Ceballos is expected to be sidelined for approximately two months. This is a major setback for both the player and Ancelotti, as the coach had finally struck the perfect balance with the former Real Betis player pulling the strings from midfield.

As if this wasn't enough, Ceballos' absence comes alongside that of Jude Bellingham, who is suspended for the upcoming LaLiga encounter against Betis and the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid next Tuesday.

Ceballos posted a heartfelt message on social media after it was confirmed that he was diagnosed with a semimembranosus injury.

"I'm very sad not to be able to help my team in such an important part of the season. And I'm very sad to have to stop at what I felt was my best moment… But football is like that, it's not always easy, and much less fair. So I have to face it with strength, with the desire to fight and with the certainty that I will come back even stronger. This is not over. I have come through worse times. Thank you for so much love... See you soon, sooner than you think."

Ceballos was enjoying the best phase of his Real Madrid career, given that he became one of the first names on the team sheet for Ancelotti. He brings something no other midfielder in the squad can to the table, and he was consistently creating impact with his ball retention and vertical passing, not to forget a demonic work-rate off the ball.

However, Ancelotti now faces a major selection dilemma in the absence of the 28-year-old Spaniard. While the return of Eduardo Camavinga to full fitness is certainly a positive, the coach will need to decide whether to move Fede Valverde back from his right-back role into midfield for crucial matches.

Los Blancos face a demanding fixture list before the March international break. Over the next 15 days, they will face Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, and Villarreal in LaLiga, in addition to two legs of a much-anticipated Round of 16 clash against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.