Modric targets final, Benzema Atleti doubt
Luka Modric has targeted the UEFA Champions League final for making his Real Madrid comeback after he was ruled out of action with a knee injury two days ago. The Croatia international strained ligaments in his right knee during Saturday's victory over Malaga and it was suggested the influential midfielder could be sidelined for a month and a half.
Modric, who only came back from a four-month injury lay-off in March, was substituted in the second half of Real's 3-1 home win over Malaga after damaging his knee in a challenge with visiting midfielder Recio. The former Tottenham midfielder is confident he will be ready to make a return should the defending champions reach the showpiece final on 6 June.
Real face Madrid rivals Atletico in Wednesday night's quarter-final second-leg clash at the Bernabeu after last week's first leg finished goalless.
He told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti: "I won't hide the faith I have in my team-mates; that they can get to the Champions League final, which is on the 6th of June."
"There's no reason not to believe I can have a good end to the season."
Luka Modric, Real Madrid midfielder.
"There's no other choice. I'm not giving up on this season yet. I had some fantastic times from August to November. Then there was a break, then another long injury and now another. There's no reason not to believe I can have a good end to the season. I'm going to try as hard as I can to turn this tough situation around."
Meanwhile, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti will be without Karim Benzema for the game against Atletico as he has suffered a similar injury to team-mate Modric. The Frenchman attended the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja for tests by the club's medical staff and it is unknown how long he will be sidelined for the Primera Division club.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Following tests carried out on Karim Benzema at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been found to have a sprain to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. His situation will be monitored."
Real are sweating on the fitness of Gareth Bale ahead of Wednesday's tie after he limped off after four minutes against Malaga with a calf problem. The Welsh forward lasted just a few minutes before he was forced to retire injured.