This past weekend, Real Madrid fell to a 2-1 defeat away to CA Osasuna, allowing FC Barcelona to reclaim the top spot in the La Liga standings.
It was a disappointing performance from Los Blancos at El Sadar, while some of the decisions made by manager Alvaro Arbeloa also left many puzzled.
Apart from losing the game, Real Madrid were also dealt an injury setback on their visit to Pamplona as Dani Ceballos suffered a calf strain.
It was claimed that the Spanish midfielder, who made costly errors during the game, could be out for seven weeks, i.e., almost two months.
Ceballos could return in one month
However, according to The Athletic, Ceballos’ camp is confident that the midfielder can return earlier than anticipated.
Even though those within the club suspect that he could be sidelined for close to two months, sources close to the player believe that he will be sidelined for only four weeks.
Ceballos is currently injured. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Ceballos, who was quick to apologise for his mistakes, one of which led to Osasuna’s winner, has barely played regularly this season.
The 29-year-old midfielder has played only 810 minutes so far in 2025/26 across 22 matches, starting only seven of those.
Ceballos’ contract with Real Madrid expires in 2027, meaning he will be entering the final year of his deal at the end of the season.
Having come close to leaving the club last summer, the former Real Betis midfielder could end up saying goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu. After all, Real Madrid are planning to bring Nico Paz back and could move for another midfielder as well.
For now, though, Ceballos will be focused on recovering from his injury quickly so that he can help the team out in the final phase of the season.