By RYAN TOLMICH
As a key member of Real Madrid’s starting unit, Luka Modric has logged major minutes this season, which is a factor that a Croatian doctor believes contributed to the midfielder’s latest injury setback.
Modric is set to face six weeks out of action after suffering a knee injury in this past weekend’s 3-1 victory over Malaga. The injury comes roughly a month after Modric returned from a separate issue and Croatian national team doctor Boris Nemec says manager Carlo Ancelotti was not cautious enough in managing the midfielder’s minutes.
“Ancelotti did not spare Luka at all after he returned from a long-term injury,” Nemec said. “He played 90 minutes in every game. Ancelotti put Modric under a lot of pressure, instead of giving him minutes bit by bit.
“Modric was not injured because of the knocks he received but because he was not 100 percent fit. If he hadn’t been overworked, his lower leg would not to move to the side under that tackle.”
Here are some more news and notes to kick off your Monday morning:
TUCHEL NAMED AS KLOPP REPLACEMENT FOR BORUSSIA DORTMUND
With manager Jurgen Klopp is set to depart Borussia Dortmund, the club has already made moves to secure his successor.
The club announced Sunday that Thomas Tuchel has been named as the new manager, effective July 1. Klopp announced last week that he will step down at the conclusion of the Bundesliga season.
Tuchel formerly took charge of German club Mainz, spending five seasons with the club before departing at the end of last season. The head coach will now be charged with helping return a struggling Dortmund side to glory, as the club currently sits ninth in the Bundesliga standings.
SILVA CLEARED AFTER INJURY SCARE
Manchester City’s David Silva took a major knock to the face Sunday, but it appears the Spanish midfielder avoided serious injury.
Silva and Man City topped West Ham on Sunday, but the midfielder was forced to depart early after taking an elbow to the face from West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté. The Spaniard was carried out on a stretcher, but, after undergoing X-Rays, Silva insists that the issue is much less serious than originally feared.
“Many thanks to all the messages of support, all the tests have gone well and I’m already home,” Silva said via Twitter. “The 3 points is what was important!”
QUICK KICKS
Real Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale is set for three weeks on the sidelines after suffering a left leg injury. (REPORT)
Nicklas Bendtner was dropped from the Wolfsburg matchday squad for turning up late to training. (REPORT)
Eight Corinthians fans were murdered in an armed attack against the fans’ headquarters. (REPORT)
Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery is unlikely to feature in the club’s Champions League matchup with Porto due to an ankle injury. (REPORT)
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What do you think of the doctor’s claims? How do you expect Tuchel to fare with Dortmund? What do you expect from Silva and Man City going forward?
Share your thoughts below.