Sergio Ramos Out of UCL Match, Could Miss More Time With Fractured Nose
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has been ruled out of his side's Champions League trip to APOEL this week after suffering a fractured nose during Los Blancos' goalless El Derbi madrileño with Atletico Madrid on Saturday, however there is potential he could be sidelined for even longer.
The 31-year-old was on the end of a kick to the face midway through the first half as, while attempting the nod the ball goalwards, he collided with the boot of Lucas Hernandez inside the Atleti area.
The Spain international continued for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes with plugs up his nose to help aid with the incessant bleeding, however did not reappear after the break with Nacho coming on as his replacement.
It was speculated on the night, as Ramos was pictured on the substitutes' bench with a bandage across his face, that the Real captain could well have fractured his nose, and the club have since confirmed that to be true.
"After tests carried out on Sergio Ramos by the Real Madrid Sanitas medical team, he has been diagnosed with a fractured nose. His recovery will continue to be assessed", a statement read on Los Blancos' official website.
The center back has since been ruled out of his side's Champions League trip on Tuesday evening, but a return date is yet to be confirmed.
However, according to medical sources consulted by Spanish news outlet AS, Ramos could be facing two to three weeks on the sidelines should he need an operation.
That would mean the Real leader could end up missing crucial La Liga clashes with Malaga, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla, as well as Los Blancos' final Champions League group game with Borussia Dortmund next month.
But if the damage was less severe boss Zinedine Zidane could well be able to welcome his key man back into the fold with the aid of a protective mask much sooner, something he will undoubtedly want as he leads his team on the charge towards league leaders Barcelona who currently hold a 10-point advantage.
